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  • Academics
Catholic Central Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

Catholic Central students wrapped up their celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month yesterday with a variety of engaging activities in their Spanish classes.

Classroom Activities and Decorations

In Mrs. Manriquez's class, students transformed their doorway into a vibrant display, decorating it with flags from all Spanish-speaking countries. They also posted notable Hispanic figures and interesting facts to pique the curiosity of their peers. To deepen their understanding of Hispanic contributions, her Spanish 3 class participated in a scavenger hunt focused on the achievements of prominent Hispanic individuals.

Meanwhile, Ms. Laffrey's Spanish 4 class explored the life and legacy of Roberto Clemente through readings and a video. They culminated their study by creating a collaborative poster featuring one of Clemente’s inspiring quotes.

Cecilia Sikkenga, a Spanish and Latin teacher, shared insights into her class activities: “I took time to review demographic statistics of Hispanics in the U.S. according to the latest census and showed a video from the Department of the Interior, which offers great resources on this topic every year. Students took notes on their top five favorite notable Hispanics, which I also displayed on my door for the month. We enjoyed music from various Spanish-speaking countries and held a song bracket as well.”

For those with extra time, Sikkenga added, “We play Jeopardy and engage in other fun activities that highlight important Hispanic figures and trivia about Latinx culture.”

Daily Announcements Featuring Notable Figures

In addition to classroom activities, students learned about a notable Hispanic figure each day during morning announcements. The figures highlighted included:

Week 1: Saints and Basilian Fathers

  • Monday: Saint Rose of Lima, the first canonized saint from the Americas, known for her dedication to the poor.

  • Tuesday: Saint Oscar Romero, a martyr from El Salvador who championed social justice.

  • Wednesday: The Basilian Fathers, recognized for their commitment to education and service in Latin America.

  • Thursday: Saint Martín de Porres, the patron saint of social justice, embodying humility and service.

  • Friday: Saint Juan Diego, known for his encounter with the Virgin Mary at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Week 2: Patron Saints of Hispanic Communities

  • Monday: Our Lady of Guadalupe, a symbol of faith and unity for the Americas.

  • Tuesday: Saint José Sánchez del Río, a young martyr whose bravery during the Cristero War inspires many.

  • Wednesday: Saint Teresa of Avila, a reformer of the Carmelite order whose writings on prayer guide Catholics.

  • Thursday: Saint Peter Claver, who dedicated his life to ministering to enslaved Africans in Colombia.

  • Friday: Saint Francis Solano, known for his missionary work among indigenous peoples in Peru.

Week 3: Hispanic Cultural Figures

  • Monday: Cesar Chavez, a Mexican-American labor leader and co-founder of the United Farm Workers union.

  • Tuesday: Dolores Huerta, civil rights leader and co-founder of the United Farm Workers.

  • Wednesday: Ellen Ochoa, the first Hispanic woman in space, inspiring future generations in STEM.

  • Thursday: Roberto Clemente, a Hall of Fame baseball player and humanitarian.

  • Friday: Julia de Burgos, a Puerto Rican poet addressing feminism and social justice.

Week 4: Hispanic Artists and Innovators

  • Monday: Frida Kahlo, a Mexican artist known for her powerful self-portraits.

  • Tuesday: Diego Rivera, a muralist whose work highlights Mexico's cultural history.

  • Wednesday: Carlos Santana, a musician blending rock, Latin jazz, and blues.

  • Thursday: Lin-Manuel Miranda, creator of the acclaimed musical Hamilton.

  • Friday: Rigoberta Menchú, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate advocating for social justice and indigenous rights.

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