From September 15 to October 15, the United States celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to recognize the many contributions, cultures, and histories of Hispanic and Latino Americans. At Carolina Forest High School, our Hispanic Heritage celebrations are an opportunity to learn from one another, celebrate diversity, and honor traditions that shape our community.
Recognition of the Hispanic community gained momentum during the 1960s while the Civil Rights Movement was at its peak. The United States had become more aware of multicultural identities, thus many gained interest in celebration and recognition of different minorities.
Originally, the celebration was created in California by Congressman George E. Brown. He had recognized the large population of Hispanic Americans in his area and felt that their immense contributions deserved a period of celebration. It began in 1968 as a week-long celebration in June. However, in 1988, Ronald Reagan expanded it to a month-long event that began in September.
Since George Bush released a proclamation on Hispanic Heritage Month in 1989, every U.S president since has made one annually. Currently, the Latino population in the United States is over 60 million, making up 18.9% of the total population.
CFHS celebrates every year with a series of activities and dress-up days, along with a captivating performance given by students. On October 17 during second block in the main gym, students can pay an entry fee of $1 to their second block teacher to attend. It is a fundraiser for the Spanish Honors Society. This year ‘s theme is Herencia Colectiva: Honrado El Pasado, Inspirando El Futuro (Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future.) During the celebration, teachers and students will perform in the program.
Sandra Aguirre, a Spanish teacher and sponsor of the Spanish National Honors Society, organizes the annual celebration with Tracy Stroud and Marcela Garzon. They collaborate with students to put on a show that recognizes Hispanic heritage at CFHS.
Aguirre shared, “The Spanish National Honor Society, along with our Hispanic students and World Language Department, will be participating in the event to have a great time during our celebration.”
The celebration will kick off with a parade open to all Hispanic students who wish to participate. In the program students who are going to participate, have studied famous Hispanics that have shaped the United States history and culture. Those students will be wearing jerseys or traditional clothing that represents one of the 21 Hispanic countries. Famous poems, proverbs, and quotes will be read aloud to the audience as well. The program will close with a Spanish song that students have been learning in their classes.
Also during the week of October 17, CFHS will have a Hispanic Spirit Week. The hope is that students will participate and learn more about Hispanic culture from the themed days. At the basketball courts on Wednesday, T-shirts will be sold on a first come first serves basis. Thursday during lunch, karaoke will be held in the cafeteria. To close the week off, the Hispanic Heritage Month Show will be held.
Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to honor and recognize all of the contributions that the Hispanic community has made in the United States. Every person has their own way of celebrating. However, CFHS has made a continuous effort to recognize the students and staff that contribute to the school’s success. Celebrate Herencia Colectiva: Honrado El Pasado, Inspirando El Futuro at CFHS to learn and recognize our Hispanic population within our own community.
