In a vibrant celebration of culture and community, Highland ended Hispanic Heritage month with a week full of activities, events, and contributions. With the collaborative celebrations, the Hispanic clubs hope was to foster appreciation and unity between students and families.
For Rosa Sanchez, a Highland senior and co-
president of the Highland Hispanic Club, showing up to school with confidence and pride in her own heritage was empowering. She hoped that through the activities the club provided, other students, from any cultural background, would embrace their own identities as well.
“Embrace our culture, embrace our Heritage, leave a statement, and show that we are proud of who we are,” Sanchez said.
Hispanic Heritage month started Sep. 15 and as the month came to and end, club members confidently commemorated their culture with a week of events. Through Oct. 15, Highland was filled with bright colors and cultural music to show the embracement of Hispanic Heritage.
Not only was this an event to joyfully express their love for Hispanic Heritage, but it was a way to unite everyone. This spirit week was filled with days to show up and dress up. Participants wore soccer jerseys one day and quinceanera dresses another day. Each day was designed around specific parts of their Heritage that they wanted to celebrate.
Sanchez believes there is a great need for this spirit week. This heritage week is the time to radiate their identities and remind everyone of their cultural background. It honors the history and acknowledges what shaped their lives.
The Hispanic Heritage month is designed to recognize those of Hispanic nature, but Sanchez believes encourages others to show dignity with their own inheritance.
Bringing unity to people brings a feeling of belonging. When the Hispanic Heritage club wanted a spirit week for their community, it shows their commitment to celebrating culture. They felt they needed to show others who they are and what they stand for.
“We needed to find a way to embrace our culture,” Sanchez said.
Not many people would’ve known about the Hispanic month if they hadn’t set up this Heritage week. It tells the whole school about their cultural identities and their historic background. But Sanchez wanted to ensure that it was open for everyone, not just students with Hispanic cultures.
Based on last year experiences with the week, Sanchez heard feedback that the themes weren’t relatable to everyone. Sanchez wanted to make these days more recognizable to everyone and connect the students through these topics.
Another problem from last year was the sparse attendance throughout the week. The low numbers meant that the club needed to come up with new ways to make the week successful. One of the best ways they did this was through food – a universal language. On the final Friday, the club served frybread to any takers, which drew the largest crowd.
The Hispanic club ended the month with a bang. The thoughtful events and activities created were a way to embrace their culture and show others who they are. The inclusivity brought from the club originated a feeling of self-worth and pride. Not only was this a way to celebrate their Heritage but it made the Highland community stronger in uniting diverse cultures.
