Courtesy of schoolwidebcc on instagram

From September 15th to October 15th, we celebrate the rich and diverse culture and history of Hispanic and Latino Americans and acknowledge their many contributions. B-CC has tremendous diversity, and appreciating it is important. Barons are ringing in Hispanic Heritage Month in a variety of exciting ways. 

Senior Brayan Flores, Captain of the Latin dance team, Ritmo Latino has expressed love for his culture as well as for his community at B-CC. He has danced with the team for three years. He is also Liaison for Latin Student Union.

 LSU meetings usually have a great turnout, especially after the Club Fair once they’ve gained more attention. Ritmo Latino danced along to the music they played, which formed a crowd of students around their booth.  “It’s fun,” Flores stated, “getting to perform genres and styles of Latin dance from Central America, it’s almost like a homage to our ancestors. It allows me to be part of my community a bit more.” 

Junior Alexa Gonzalez is part of both clubs as well. Attending LSU meetings since her sophomore year has given her a new perspective on school life. “You’ll learn more about other students and about the diversity in our school,” she explains, “I’ve definitely gained more knowledge because there are so many students who aren’t from the country I’m from, and I can get to know more about them and their culture.”

The environment at LSU meetings is something genuinely special. “It’s a place where you will find community,” Gonzalez stated. “It’s where you’ll feel you fit into. It’s a great experience.” Students learn more about their peers, where they come from, who they are, and what makes their culture so beautiful. The leaders have worked incredibly hard to make this an inclusive and welcoming space. 

“It’s very calming,” Flores explained, “it heals my soul a bit by getting to know people who can relate to me in ways that other students in the school can’t. There’s this connection you have with meeting new peers, learning where they come from or what they’ve experienced and it can really open your eyes and reflect on your community.” 

Before the addition of these clubs at B-CC, Flores said, “If I can compare my sister’s experience here when she was in B-CC, I can say it’s incredibly different. Now, we have a Latin dance team and a Latino Student Union where people can come together.” Flores adds, “She didn’t have anything like that, she felt [like] more of an outsider, and she always reminds me of the stories of when she was here.” 

These clubs provide a space where students can feel less isolated, more comfortable, and more welcomed. LSU and Ritmo Latino have worked tirelessly to provide a safe space and crucial representation at B-CC. Support these clubs and the students that belong to them by taking part in the remaining activities of Hispanic Heritage Month.

With one more week to go, keep an eye out for the Hispanic Heritage Month pep rally, tentatively scheduled for Oct. 12. It will be a voluntary assembly with special performances from student singers and dancers in Ritmo Latino to celebrate the month.

For those who might like to do a little dancing, on Friday, Oct. 13, students and staff can take part in Baila B-CC, a dance class held in the Attendance Atrium, featuring Latin American dances by a certified Zumba instructor.

Looking ahead, mark your calendar for the 23rd Annual Latin Dance Competition, which will be held on Nov. 20th at the Strathmore Music Center, where Montgomery County high schools will compete against each other in senior and junior divisions.