Valeria Gutierrez and Tanaya Vasireddy

   Spanning from September 15th to October 15th each year, Hispanic Heritage Months celebrates many Latin American countries’ independence. This month at Marriotts Ridge, Spanish Honor Society commemorates HHM with two spirit days. During that period, students can see Hispanic themed decorations around the commons.

   Hispanic Heritage Month first started as a week-long period in 1968 because George E. Brown wanted to recognize the hard work and history of the Hispanic community. Then, it was expanded to a full month by President Ronald Reagan in 1988. This 30-day period encompasses many important dates in the Hispanic community: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua all celebrate their independence on September 15th; Mexico commemorates its independence on September 16th; Chile on September 18th; and Columbus Day falls on October 12th. While HHM focuses on commemorating the contributions of Americans with Hispanic heritage, some argue it’s not good enough.

   “I think [Hispanic Heritage Month] is a good start, but I think we should also be centering [Hispanic] voices all throughout the year, not just in between September 15th and October 15th. I think it’s important that we’re always recognizing those contributions and celebrating that culture,” Spanish Honor Society sponsor Mrs. Littman shared. 

  On the other hand, some believe that Hispanic Heritage Month is overlooked and not commemorated enough. Compared to other celebrations of the sort, like Black History Month or Women’s History Month, some students feel that HHM doesn’t get as much recognition.

   “I feel [Hispanic Heritage Month] is not brought out enough, and we don’t talk about it nearly as much as we should,” sophomore Elwin Bizimana pointed out. 

   Even so, there are many ways to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at MRHS. Spanish Honor Society is sponsoring various activities, such as a spirit day at the beginning of HHM where students were encouraged to wear the color of a Spanish-speaking country flag. Additionally, at the end of HHM, students may wear fútbol jerseys to show their support, since the sport has had a great impact on Latin American culture. In between these dates, Spanish Honor Society is also hosting lotería (bingo), papel picado making (traditional Mexican decorative art), and an escape game about important people in Hispanic culture and history. 

   “In Spanish Honor Society, we facilitate a lot of activities and games like lotería, which is kind of like bingo, to honor Hispanic culture,” senior and Spanish Honor Society board member Akshar Koya explained.

   Outside of school, students may celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at the American Latino Museum located in Washington, D.C. The museum offers different experiences all throughout the month that focus on recognizing Hispanic culture. For example, they have a guided tour about the musical journey of salsa, which visitors can attend free of cost on multiple dates. 

   Hispanic Heritage Month is an important celebration that allows students to learn about a new culture and show their appreciation for it. Hispanic or not, everyone is welcome and encouraged to participate in HHM celebrations.