Students at Buena Vista celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month.
Hispanic Heritage Month is in full swing at Buena Vista High School, spanning from September 15 to October 15, to honor students and teachers of Hispanic heritage. At BV, many students are of Hispanic heritage, as well as several teachers. To celebrate this special occasion, the school hosted a spirit week, and many students dressed up. From students in vaquero outfits with boots, belts, and cowboy hats to those wearing sparkly, colorful quinceañera dresses, the event was a success. But it wasn’t always like this.
Although Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated today, it began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week. President Lyndon B. Johnson established it, and in 1988 President Ronald Reagan expanded it to a month-long celebration. September was chosen because many Hispanic and Latino nations celebrate their independence during this month. The purpose of the celebration is to honor Hispanic people and their contributions to the United States, as well as their rich culture.
At BV, the celebration has special meaning for both students and teachers. “It’s important to me because it reminds me how beautiful it is to be part of the Latino community,” said Miss Salcido, a teacher of Hispanic heritage. “I’m Mexican and I’ve always been very in touch with my Mexican culture, so I like to be able to celebrate it. It allows you to know more about where you come from, where our community comes from, and all the beautiful things that come with our culture.”
One of the teachers who helped organize the spirit week, Mr. Placensia, also comes from a Hispanic background. “Spirit week is good because it helps students to express themselves but also creates unity in the sense that everybody is participating in a similar theme, similar fashion,” he said.
Hispanic Heritage Month reminds us to celebrate the many people who have come to this country and made a difference for the better. Buena Vista is a diverse school, and when it comes to celebrating our students and teachers of different backgrounds, we do our best.