Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated every year from September 15 to October 15. Under President Johnson, the celebration was just a week long, but under President Reagan, it was extended to a month in order to fully recognize the importance that Hispanic/Latino Americans have made in the US. But, how is this month recognized in South Windsor High School and in the South Windsor community? And, is it celebrated enough?
“Each school has the autonomy to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in various ways,” Director of Equity and Inclusion in South Windsor School District, Mr. Stephen Higgins explained. “[For Example] at the high school, we actively support the Hispanic Club, which provides a platform for students to explore and celebrate their culture through various activities and discussions.”
Advisor to the SWHS Hispanic/Latino Student Alliance, Señora Genny Tobon-Escobedo, mentioned that it should really be the whole school doing something for Hispanic Heritage Month, not just the Hispanic/Latino Alliance.
Tobon explained how other schools decorate their doors for Hispanic Heritage Month and suggested a way that South Windsor could implement this. Each department at South Windsor High School could have a different country and decorate their doors according to different aspects of that country. She deeply feels that the Hispanic community – although small in South Windsor – isn’t highlighted like they are in other communities.
“There are kids here, a part of the Hispanic community, who need it to feel like they are represented,” Tobon-Escobedo said.
South Windsor High School’s assistant principal, Mrs. Jessica Serrano, said that while the school’s efforts are a step in the right direction, there is always room for improvement. Schools need to ensure that our celebrations go beyond just events and focus on integrating Hispanic culture, history, and contributions throughout the school year.
“True equity means providing authentic representation and opportunities for all students to learn about and appreciate diverse cultures, including the Hispanic and Latinx communities,” Serrano commented.
The High School prioritizes being inclusive and socially conscious as part of their Portrait of a Graduate, yet the Hispanic community within South Windsor still feels like they are not recognized or celebrated enough. The Hispanic/Latino Student Alliance Club was left cast aside and disbanded for years until May of 2024 when Abby Ramirez, a student in South Windsor High School, asked Señora Tobon-Escobedo to become the advisor.
However, there are things that the district can do to make a move towards a more inclusive and socially conscious community, specifically for the Hispanic and Latino students in this school community.
Hispanic/Latino students and teachers have expressed the desire to use curriculum-based activities and discussions to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. These activities and discussions could include challenging stereotypes, giving students opportunities to share their own experiences, and highlighting the achievements and contributions of Hispanic/Latino figures.
Additionally, Serrano stated that she would love to have more in depth inclusivity by inviting Hispanic leaders from the community to speak or host workshops.
