2024 Hispanic Heritage Month: How We Celebrate at St. Agnes
2024 Hispanic Heritage Month at St. Agnes: there’s a lot in store! Such a rich culture is so easy to celebrate. Read more about four different ways we will honor the culture.
Hispanic Heritage Month – recognized from September 15 to October 15 – is a time to honor Hispanic and Latino Americans' cultures, histories, and contributions. For a Catholic all-girls high school like St. Agnes, this month presents a unique opportunity to enrich the educational experience by blending faith, cultural awareness, and community spirit.
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month in such a setting allows students to explore the rich diversity within their school community, deepen their understanding of the Hispanic cultural heritage, and reflect on the shared values of faith, family, and service central to Hispanic culture and Catholic education.
See how St. Agnes plans to celebrate the 2024 Hispanic Heritage Month.
4 Ways St. Agnes Will Celebrate 2024 Hispanic Heritage Month
From incorporating Hispanic saints into campus life to building cultural awareness, St. Agnes is fully invested in celebrating this important month.
1. Incorporating Hispanic Saints and Religious Figures into Faith Life
St. Agnes will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by highlighting the lives of Hispanic saints and religious figures through daily prayer, theology classes, and school-wide liturgies.
Additionally, prayers or reflections written by or about these saints will be naturally woven into daily announcements or during school Masses to keep their legacies alive throughout the month.
2. Hispanic Heritage-Themed Academic Activities
Hispanic Heritage Month offers a beautiful opportunity to weave cultural awareness into various academic subjects. Classes at St. Agnes often explore various types of artists, thinkers, and historical figures no matter the season, but what better time to dig into those of Hispanic heritage than this month?
- In English classes, students might read and analyze works by Hispanic authors such as Gabriel García Márquez, Isabel Allende, or Julia Alvarez.
- In history or social studies classes, the focus could be on the contributions of Hispanic figures in American history, such as Cesar Chavez, Dolores Huerta, or Justice Sonia Sotomayor.
- Art classes could delve into the works of Hispanic artists like Frida Kahlo or Diego Rivera, encouraging students to create artwork inspired by these masters.
- Science classes may get involved by highlighting the contributions of Hispanic scientists and engineers.
Students have the opportunity to research figures such as Dr. Ellen Ochoa, the first Hispanic woman to go to space, or Dr. Carlos Juan Finlay, who played a crucial role in understanding the transmission of yellow fever. These activities not only enrich students' academic experience but also provide role models that reflect the diversity of their communities.
3. Cultural Immersion through Food, Music, and Dance
St. Agnes students can expect to celebrate Hispanic culture through food, music, and dance all month. Student organizations like LAYA (Latin American Youth Association) or the Spanish Club often host parties during community time with traditional Hispanic dishes, music, pinatas, and more!
Dance classes teach about cultural dance, such as the basics of salsa, bachata, or flamenco. In previous years, morning announcements featured a prayer or history lesson on a Hispanic saint.
4. Building Cultural Awareness and Inclusivity
An essential aspect of celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month in a school like St. Agnes is fostering an environment of inclusivity and respect for all cultures. This is achieved by creating spaces where students feel comfortable sharing their cultural experiences and learning from others.
A Blend of Cultural Celebration with Faith-Based Education
By highlighting Hispanic saints, integrating cultural themes into academic activities, immersing students in Hispanic music, dance, and food, and fostering an inclusive environment, St. Agnes creates a meaningful and enriching experience for all students.
The month-long celebration not only honors the rich diversity within the Hispanic community but also reinforces the Catholic values of community, service, and respect for the dignity of every person. Through these activities, students can deepen their understanding of Hispanic culture, strengthen their faith, and build a more inclusive and compassionate school community.
Reach out to our Director of Community Culture today to learn more about 2024 Hispanic Heritage Month at St. Agnes!
