At ETHS, flags and papel picado banners line the school halls to mark Hispanic Heritage Month. Celebrated from Sep. 15 to Oct. 15, the month was established to recognize and honor the cultures, histories and contributions of Americans whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.
The national celebration began as a week-long observance under President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1968 and was expanded to a month-long celebration by President Ronald Reagan in 1988. Americans celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with festivals, cultural music and dance and traditional food.
Nicole Sanchez, planner for Hispanic Heritage Month and sponsor of the Latinx Quest Club, helped organize events throughout the month. Students enjoyed raspas (shaved ice desserts) in The Hub, churros in H-Hall, a staff vs. student volleyball game, a door decorating contest, a staff scavenger hunt and a Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) altar crafting session.
Sanchez believes the celebration helps students and staff feel a sense of belonging.
“It’s important that we celebrate and put all of our cultures in the spotlight,” said Sanchez. “I love my culture, and I love sharing it.”
Raquel Medrano, Latinx Affinity Group teamASAP sponsor, finds this month personally significant as well.
“This is an opportunity to celebrate where I come from, the food that we eat, my culture, heritage, music and language and to share that with others,” said Medrano.
However, she believes acknowledgment of Hispanic and Latinx students should extend beyond the month, especially for those in rigorous classes who deserve to feel welcomed.
“We can support Latinx students in AP classes by creating a space where students with similar lived experiences can come together,” said Medrano.
Making this month meaningful is especially important given the challenges the community is enduring, according to Medrano.
“We can also shed light on bigger issues facing our community today, like the ICE raids,” said Medrano.
Spanish-speaking student Chloe Miller-Niharra celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month by participating in school and community events. In her Spanish class, students discussed their heritage and ate churros.
“Taking a heritage class is special because everyone in the class has things in common,” said Miller-Niharra.
Of course, the month is full of tacos, paella and empanadas—one of her favorite parts. She also appreciates that it offers a chance to reflect on important Hispanic and Latinx figures, highlighting the artwork of Frida Kahlo.
“I really like Frida Kahlo’s work,” said Miller-Niharra. “She’s a feminist and just really impressive.”
As this year’s Hispanic Heritage Month comes to a close, students and staff alike are already looking forward to next year’s celebrations and will continue to honor their cultures throughout the year.
