PROVIDED BY BRIANNA COBy SIDNEY WONG
STAFF WRITER
The Spanish Honors Society is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, which lasts from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15.
The month is dedicated to celebrating the liberation of Latin American countries by highlighting various traditions and customs.
According to advisor Johanna Ortega, the month is a way to show pride and appreciate other cultures.
“It is important to acknowledge [Hispanic] culture, especially because we are all unique,” Ortega said. “[Doing so] can bring people together, [so it is crucial to] be proud of your own heritage.”
To celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, the Spanish Honors Society and the Spanish Language Department hosted a lunch rally on Sept. 20. Performers danced to Hispanic music and recited the Acta de Independencia del Imperio Mexicano, or the Declaration of Independence of the Mexican Empire.
During the rally, sophomore Vanessa Maldonado and her International Baccalaureate Spanish class performed a traditional Hispanic dance called bachata to the Cuban song “Propuesta Indecente.” According to Maldonado, the dance required much practice and collaboration.
“We only had three days in advance to learn this dance, but being able to rehearse with people of the same culture [brought us together],” Maldonado said. “[In the end], I was proud of what we had accomplished in such [a short notice].”
Additionally, freshman Justin Huh believes that the dancing contributed toward a positive atmosphere.
“The most memorable part was the dance, [during which] students were allowed to [join in],” Huh said. “Dancing made me feel energetic, and everyone was upbeat because of the music.”
Hispanic Heritage Month will continue throughout Sept. until Oct. 15.