Hispanic Outreach for Latino Awareness. (Chris Heerman’18/Media editor)

Annually from September 15-October 15, in lieu of recognizing the histories and cultures of various Latin-Americans’ contributions to our nation, we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. 

Through the efforts of ¡HOLA! (Hispanic Outreach for Latino Awareness), our Hispanic affinity group (led by a team of Academy’s parents), organizes activities ranging from a soccer tailgate, an art exhibit and a guest speaker to highlight various aspects of Latin American culture. 

A new Latin American art exhibit in the Morris Hall features various representations of Latino culture, compliments of CA families. A 1960’s Guatemalan handwoven and hand-dyed blanket, Chancay Burial Dolls, which are ancient Peruvian grave goods of a lost culture and masks that honor “La Danza De Los Viejitos,” known as “The Dance of the Old People” are some of the exhibit’s featured works. 

Guest speaker, Dr.William Calvo-Quirós, an American Culture professor at the University of Michigan, spoke to guests after the exhibit’s evening kick-off (and the next day to students) about “La Cultura Cura: Latina(os) as Borderlanders.” He highlighted both bi-cultural and bi-lingual importances, emphasizing how Latino Americans have worked to “re-route” when faced with difficulties rather than giving up. 

Calvo-Quirós encouraged us to imagine a world that is beyond us where we can communicate with and celebrate each other. 

Students extended Latin American awareness by hosting a Spanish karaoke party in additon to a grade level sing-off challenge during assembly. In the spirit of honoring Hispanic Heritage, we should continue to learn more about this culture in our community.