Hispanic Heritage Month isdedicated to celebrating American citizens whose ancestry can be traced back to Spain, Central and South America, Mexico and the Caribbean. First starting in 1968 as a weeklong event, it has grown to become a celebration that is from September 15 to October 15 every year.
The Board of Education has also officially proclaimed September 15 to October 15 as Hispanic Heritage Month. Throughout the month, MCPS schools celebrate the unique culture and traditions of the Hispanic community.
Alicia Deeny, principal at Takoma Park Middle School, was named Educator of the Year at the Maryland Hispanic Gala on September 13. “I was surprised, super honored and humbled by it,” she said. “It’s a wonderful celebration of the Hispanic community.”
In addition to being a principal, Deeny also plays guitar both for fun and at school during certain events, such as International Night.“Every year, I’ll go into the Spanish III classes and teach a song. I explain the cultural history behind the song and we’ll perform it at International Night.”
The Maryland hispanic Gala, which kicked off National Hispanic Heritage Month, strives to recognize and commend high achieving Hispanic students. The event,which took place at the Fillmore in Silver Spring, brought together community organizations that are committed to helping Hispanic youth achieve secondary level education. More than $100,000 in scholarships were awarded to 55 MCPS graduates, attending colleges and universities in Maryland.
During Hispanic Heritage month, MCPS lets each school make decisions on specific school events celebrating Hispanic heritage. Montgomery Blair High School hosted several school events to commemorate Hispanic history and contributions to society.
Blair’s celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month also serves to recognize its Hispanic students, who make up approximately 32 percent of the student body, the largest out of all ethnic groups within the school. They hosted several special events included a soccer tournament, an InfoFlow programming event focused on Hispanic heritage, a career panel, a talent show called ¡Fiesta Blair!, and a show by speaker and comedian Ernie G.
Hispanic Heritage Month allows many students to learn and celebrate the generations of Hispanic and Latino Americans who have positively influenced and enriched our nation and society.
Article written by MoCo Student staff writer Dhruv Pai of Montgomery Blair High School