Hispanic Heritage Month is an annual celebration that runs from September 15th to October 15th. The four-week period beginning September 15 is significant because it coincides with the anniversaries of independence in several Latin American countries including, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico, and Chile. It honors the diversity and significant contributions of more than 60 million Hispanic and Latinx Americans in the United States. The celebration was created by President Lyndon Johnson in 1968 and was expanded to a 30-day event by President Reagan in 1988. The significance of this month is not only in the celebration of heritage but also in the acknowledgment of struggles and achievements that Hispanic and Latinx Americans have gone through.
Cities and Schools from across the country this month organize events ranging from cultural festivals to concerts and projects that explore Hispanic history and STEAM Academy is no different. Dr. Flores and Mrs.Sarver have once again announced that our school will participate in various activities to create opportunities for individuals from all backgrounds to engage and learn about the rich culture Hispanic communities bring to the nation.
With Dr. Flores sending out a newsletter to all our STEAM students and families announcing this, the students are excited to discover what will be in store for them. Last year students in Ms. Sarver’s Spanish three came together to help put together an event that the whole school was able to participate in! This included things such as homemade agua fresca, Spanish candies, and other foods that students were able to enjoy while also appreciating the work that Ms.Sarver and her students put into giving our school a taste of Hispanic culture. This will serve as a platform for promoting, understanding, and fostering inclusivity in our school. During ongoing discussions about immigration and representation in our politics, this month will encourage individuals to recognize the shared feelings and diverse experiences that make up the American identity. As we tread through the month one thing will remain clear: recognizing, respecting, and valuing each cultural heritage that each individual carries enriches and connects us all as a collective society.