In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, students, parents, and faculty gathered in the Blue Dungeon yesterday during Spanish classes across blocks 1-4 to experience vibrant displays and recognize the rich diversity of Hispanic culture through arts, crafts, food, music, and lively conversations. This provided students with a platform to ask questions, engage, and learn more about various traditions while appreciating the unique customs of different cultures.

“My favorite part was playing Dominoes at the Cuba booth with my friends and having Pan con Lechón—it was so delicious,”

sophomore Teshler Augustin said.

For the first time on such a grand scale, the Parents’ Association and school administration celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month by filling the entire gymnasium with booths representing 18 of the 21 Spanish-speaking countries. Parents took an active role in sharing their heritage with the school community, running booths that highlighted food, music, and cultural artifacts from their respective countries. The event offered students a firsthand look at the diversity within Hispanic cultures. Countries represented included Perú, Colombia, Cuba, and Argentina. 

“I really liked seeing all of the booths from the different countries, but I especially enjoyed seeing my Mexican culture in the Día de Los Muertos display,” sophomore Nicolas Gershanik said.

The event created an atmosphere of pride and belonging for students, making them feel more connected to their roots and fostering a sense of unity among the school community. By including the active involvement of parents, the celebration made for a powerful educational experience.

“[The hispanic heritage celebration] is special because this brings people together—that’s what diversity emphasis is all about,” said Don Lawrence, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. “We want to understand each other’s differences and have a deeper appreciation for one another.”