Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated from September 15 to October 15, is a celebration acknowledging the history and culture of Americans whose ancestry traces across over 20 countries in Latin America. A good way to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month is to appreciate Hispanic food and enjoy the celebrations that are put on by the local Hispanic Community. Thomas Worthington has its own way of celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month.
The celebration started at Thomas when students were called derogatory names, according to Kathy Starks, a retired school counselor who works in the Counseling office part-time. Starks is often an advocate for the cultural diversity of TWHS. She often helps students get involved in the school and community. “They just wanted to find a way to celebrate Hispanic Heritage during the month of September 15 to October 15th,” said Starks.
One way Thomas celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month is through the morning announcements.
“It brings awareness to the month because some people don’t know what Hispanic Heritage Month is about,” said junior Ashley Lopez Aparicio.
It also shows that Hispanic students at Thomas are seen and valued.
“We have a lot of new students who speak Spanish as their native language, so it’s nice for them to hear Spanish being spoken through the announcements,” said Starks. Having the morning announcements in Spanish gives students a special connection to Thomas if they felt they didn’t have one previously.
Although not technically a part of Hispanic Heritage month, International Day will be held in the aux gym at Thomas Worthington on November 18th. Last year, there were 15 countries represented with tri-folds and booths, as well as food and other items from each country’s culture. “We have 15 more blank ones (tri-folds), so we could have 30 countries represented this year,” said Starks. She is hopeful that more people want to join in on the International Day celebration.
To junior Joselin Oext, Hispanic Heritage Month means to “spread awareness to Hispanic cultures.”
“It shows how proud you are of your culture and how proud you are to be Hispanic,” adds Ashley Lopez. Both students have been participating by making announcements each week to raise awareness. This month has a wide variety of meanings to anyone in the Hispanic community and to others looking to celebrate this month. Many other programs are offered around the city of Columbus, a list can be found here.
Although this month is focused on Hispanic heritage, it is not the only time Lopez and Oext are sharing or celebrating their culture with others. “I like inviting my friends to family gatherings,” Lopez said. “Or inviting friends to parties or quinceanera,” said Oext.