On Thursday, October 23, the school held its annual Hispanic Heritage Month Assembly, a celebration of Hispanic Culture and its impact on the United States.
From Amelia Muñoz’s thought-provoking rendition of José Olivarez’s famous poem “Citizen Illegal,’ to the electrifying Latin Dance performance by Camilla Cordero and Fernando Angarita Medina, the assembly had the crowd yearning for more.
The assembly, however, also highlighted the challenges the Latino community faces. Showcasing various news clippings of ICE raids all across the country, it emphasized how we must stand together in the pursuit of justice and equality. The assembly summed it up best when it displayed the message: “Lucharemos contra esto juntos,” translating, in English, to “We will fight against this together.”
In addition, the assembly highlighted how important music is to Hispanic Heritage, explaining, “Music is a key part to celebrating Hispanic heritage, it holds to stories.” When Fernando rose to sing his rendition of Luis Silva’s song, “Venezuela,” the crowd could hardly contain their excitement; before he could even finish his performance, applause roared throughout the auditorium.
The soccer section was another hit; this performance emphasized the sport’s impact on uniting Latinos, stating, “Soccer is more than just a game, it connects people [across] Latin America and celebrates our heritage.” The performers showed off their fancy foot skills, leaving the crowd in awe.
Moving on, sisters Kami Rivas-Rogers and Alana Rivas-Rogers’ reggaeton performance had the crowd clapping to the rhythm, while shouting and whistling approvingly. People were singing along and smiling —truly a spotlight section of the assembly.
In the final parts of the assembly, the performers showed off traditional-styled clothing from multiple countries, such as Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, also showcasing different types of Quinceñera dresses. All the while, they explained the history of the traditions, tracing back to indigenous roots, and how important attire is to Hispanic culture.
The assembly ended on an inspiring note delivered by Latino Student Union President Madeline Cortez: “As talented young minds, we are the future.”
