We concluded our month-long celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month with an exciting finale event. After a month full of days of traditional dress, a parade, research, sharing of facts, music, dancing, and more, the Hispanic Committee, of about 10 faculty members, along with support staff, administration, parents, and students, came together for a grand fiesta.
“It smelled so good as soon as you walked into the space,” shared Assistant Principal Ms. Latta. “We had a huge crowd to support the event. The games and raffles were a nice addition.”
Special thanks to Xcharet Mexican Grill for donating a gift card to their restaurant for our raffle.
The Grand Finale Fiesta was a trip around the world, experiencing artifacts and cuisine from several Latin American Countries. At least 8-10 countries were represented by the families and staff and approximately 6 countries were represented with food, artifacts, flags, and performances.
Students, along with their siblings, completed a passport as they visited the different stations and learned about Latin American countries, museum-artifact style. “I want to get all the stamps,” shared first grader, Elena.
ESL Teacher and Committee Chair, Mrs. Abadesa Ochoa, shared, when asked how she felt about the event: “I felt unity and satisfaction… Cultural backgrounds didn’t matter; everyone came together for an evening of celebration. Everybody had a smile.”
Families took pride in sharing their cultures. Younger and older siblings, most who have passed through Diggs-Latham as students, came together assist their parents in serving authentic, traditional dishes. Entrees and sides such as Pupusas, Pernil with Arroz Con Gandules, Horchata, Jamaica Con Fresa, and much more were available. Money raised from the event will go back to the school to support student incentives. Several parents stated that the school and staff do so much for their children that they want to do something in return.
“It was wonderful to see families so excited to come together for an evening of learning and celebrating,” explained Principal. Dr. Cassandra Dobson. “Special shout out to Mrs. Ochoa, the committee, and all the staff and parents who made it possible. The food was delicious, and the dance finale ended the evening on such a high note.”
As families enjoyed a meal together, children played corn hole and hover soccer as well as visited the facepainting or karaoke stations. As the evening concluded, a huge crowd gathered to break the pinata and then enjoy dancing.
Fifth grade Dual Language Immersion Teacher, Mr. Algarin, and his wife performed a “Cumbia Dance.” The dance is considered a courtship dance with influence from West African drumming that was brought to Latin American countries. Students were in awe of the rhythmic movements.
Language Facilitator Mrs. Collazo and Dual Language Immersion Teacher, Mrs. Sarraga, invited members of the crowd to join their Merengue Dance, which is the National Dance of the Dominican Republic. They pulled in members of the crowd to learn the steps and dance to the beat.
Reflective of our focus on academic growth, arts integration, and social and emotional learning, our theme this year is “learning and growing in harmony.” Our Grand Fiesta Finale for Hispanic Heritage Month was such a time as that… learning and growing in harmony.