Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

From hands-on workshops making arepas in the dining hall to an interactive dance lesson during Middle School assembly, our students have been celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month in fun and engaging ways across campus. Observed each year from September 15 to October 15, National Hispanic Heritage Month recognizes the history, culture and positive influence of Hispanic Americans on our country.

In Melanie Haas’ 9th grade Global History of the Modern World classes, students created their own papel picado—intricate cut-out paper banners—which are used as decorations for various holidays and celebrations. On Wednesday, guests from the Latino Arts & Cultural Institute (LACI) taught Middle and Upper School Spanish classes how to make arepas, a round flatbread made with cornmeal. During Middle School assembly that same day, LACI led students through a presentation on cumbia, a popular Latin American style of dance, and our 7th graders participated in a Hispanic Heritage advisory lesson, complete with conchas and Abuelita's hot chocolate.

Around campus, informative slides on screens throughout the buildings have featured influential Hispanic figures and their impact on history, and book displays in the Middle and Upper School libraries have highlighted Hispanic authors. These are just a few examples of the many ways Kent Denver recognizes and celebrates heritage and history months throughout the school year.