In the month of September, many people celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, both at home and in the school. In honor of this month, Foran High School has chosen to broadcast songs through the loudspeaker during passing periods to celebrate this holiday, but this isn’t the only way the community chooses to celebrate.
Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated throughout the Western Hemisphere from September 15 to October 15. Former President Lyndon B. Johnson originally celebrated this holiday only for a week in 1968, but 20 years later, President Ronald Reagan expanded it to a whole month in 1988.
According to an article published by 10 Important Facts Of The Hispanic Heritage Month. The reason for this holiday lasting a week originally is that not all Hispanic countries gained their independence on the same day, but all within the same week. But then in 1988, President Regan extended the holiday to include Dia de Raza or Columbus Day, which falls on October 12.
This holiday is a staple in Spanish class curriculum because it occurs during the school year. Students tend to be well-versed in the people involved in the culture.
As Mrs. Kim Vigil states her class focuses on lots of people, but tries to look at the underdogs in history.
“We like to highlight people that were not as well known but have great achievements”
The students made profiles of Hispanic individuals who have hit milestones for the Hispanic culture. Women like Elena Ochoa, a Spanish art curator, and former professor, and Sonia Sotomayor, an Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court, are highlighted when making these profiles.
Vigil has even admitted, “I actually got to learn a little too.”
Because the students were able to choose who they wanted to learn about, she learned about Melanie Martinez, who is a popular American singer and songwriter of Dominican and Puerto Rican descent
The class is not only focused on the people, they also learn about Three Kings Day celebrated on January 6, which follows the story of three kings who bring gifts to Baby Jesus, and the Day of the Dead celebrated on November 1 and 2, where families commemorate the loved ones that they have lost in a celebration or a gathering.
From the historical side, Mrs. Sarah DiGiacomo visits the South American countries in class and teaches about their Indigenous history. While doing this, they also discuss more light-hearted topics, like how Hispanic food differs from Mexican food.
Junior Jillian Allen has had a different experience this month due to how Spanish 3 focuses more on the music aspect of the culture. She has listened to many songs from different cultures and ranked them based on their likability.
Allen stated that she “love[s] Hispanic Heritage Month. Because it’s pretty cool.”
The school celebrates this time of year annually with songs, history, and achievements.
