Monday: Find the Flag
The celebración [celebration] started on Monday, October 16. Our PPCHS students rushed to the breezeway as soon as the bell rang at 2:00 pm on the dot. Students quickly gathered with their friends and were later found in 7 different groups to start the search for the bandera [flag]. The groups scurried across the campus looking left and right, going through bushes, palm trees, and tables, in search for the hidden flags that were strategically placed in specific spots. The goal was for a team to find the hidden flags and correctly identify each first; the intense excitement of who’s going to win first flew through the campus air. In the end, Elijah Loucks and Lucas Aronson, each received a $10 Chick-Fil-A gift card for being the winners of this search. All participants received goody bags as well in celebration of the first day of Hispanic Heritage week!
Tuesday: Loteria
On día dos [day two], our estudiantes [students] were gathered in the cafeteria for the game of lotería. Loteria is a traditional hispanic game, like bingo, which is played on a deck of cards. Many students showed up smiling with curiosity as to what the afternoon may hold. The enthusiasm filled the air and the tension was felt as every new card was said out loud. Even our special Principal Bayer came in to announce some of the cards. While the anticipation crept on each of the players, popcorn was given out for all the participants to enjoy as a salty snack. 6 goody bags filled with sweet treats and a $10 Amazon gift card was another prize that was given out to the winners. This was a successful turnout for lotería that was spent with laughter and appreciation for the culture around.
Wednesday: Candle Decorating
Warm lights, a heartwarming movie on the screen, and the decorations surrounding the room, the candle decorating event was spent as a day of relaxation for the students and a time to come together. Candle decorating day was inspired by the Mexican holiday Día de los Muertos [Day of the Dead.] The movie, The Book of Life, which is about this special Mexican tradition, was played while participants decorated their candles. Markers, rhinestones, and stickers were used to embellish the candles with colorful decorations which highlights the vibrant holiday that is this Mexican celebration! As the Spanish Honors Society board members watched the event unfold, the common goal which was for students to come together and relish in the sweet feeling of this tradition was achieved.
Thursday: Culture Day
On October 19th, one of Charter’s greatest tradiciones [traditions] were brought back to life for Culture Day. All PPCHS students were encouraged to wear a shirt that represented their heritage. Students were seen wearing their colorful shirts and jerseys from a variety of different countries that highlighted the pride from where they are from. As students walked up and down the hallways and through the campus grounds, the true espirito [spirit] of this week was embodied and everyone was able to see the true diversidad [diversity] that our school offers!
Friday: Domino Night
On the last day of la semana de festividad espana [the week of spanish celebration], students and parents joined together in the senior square. The square was decorated with sparkly fairy lights, domino tables spread out replaced by the usual picnic tables, and Ryan Romero as DJ in the corner with upbeat music filling the air. The snack table filled with cuban treats like delicious croquetas and cafécito cubano [cuban coffee]. 16 teams were enthusiastically shouting as the game went on, thrilled to hopefully become the winner of the $100 grand prize. Students from all grade levels were participating in this event to celebrate Cuban culture and even Ms Battle went head to head against the students of Charter. Spanish Honor Society officers walked smiling ear to ear as they watched the last event of the week come together. As the night came to an end and the music was slowing down, The Spanish Honor Society joined in for one last photo in front of la bandera [the flag] that represented each of their cultures.
Thanks to the strong spirited SHS, this week was filled with color, vibrancy, and the pride that each hispanic student carries in the month of Hispanic Heritage. ¡Viva la herencia hispana!
