This is part of a series of blogs from Noble campus representatives to give a deeper look at campus life.
Rowe-Clark proudly celebrates Latinx Heritage Month to represent the voices of our Latinx students. Throughout the years, Rowe-Clark has had an increase in Latinx students, ranging from Puerto Rico, Mexico, Nicaragua, Ecuador, Honduras, to many other countries. Rowe-Clark is proud and excited to shine a light to Latinx Heritage Month with our diverse population.
This year at Rowe-Clark, we’ve been celebrating Latinx Heritage Month by allowing our students to dress as the culture they represent or support. Students engaged in “papel picado” and “calaveritas” activities throughout the month. We will close out the month with delicious food and a fiesta!
Students at Rowe-Clark dressed up to represent or support a Latinx culture.
WHAT DOES LATINX HERITAGE MONTH MEAN TO YOU?
We asked Ms. Morales, our Spanish teacher, and two of our students about what Latinx Heritage Month means to them. Here’s what they said:
“Hispanic Heritage Month holds a lot of meaning to me because it’s a time when I’m able to educate and embrace my Latinx culture. Growing up in a Mexican household, I was never taught much about my roots, traditions, culture, or ancestors. Now, Hispanic Heritage Month is nationally celebrated, and I’m able to embrace my roots and traditions more freely. I am able to be my Mexican American self and be celebrated for being Latina.”
– Denise Morales, Spanish teacher, Rowe-Clark Math & Science Academy
“Para mi, being Latina means being proud. Proud of my people, proud of my customs, proud of my race, proud to be Colombian, Proud to be Latinx.”
– Sofia Hurtado Prieto, Class of 2025, Rowe-Clark Math & Science Academy
“Muchos se preguntaran que se siente ser hispani o Latino. Para mi ser latina es increible. Hay muchas cosas que hay que aprender de nuestra historia. Yo como soy boricua me queda mucho de aprender sobre mi cultura. Ser hispano o latino no solo significa hablar español o nacer en paises de latino america si no saber lo mas que pueda de donde vengas y sentirte orgulloso de lo que eres. Siempre dire “ yo soy boriqua pa que tu lo sepa”. Mas que boriqua soy latina y quero que toda persona que me conozca lo sepa. Ser Hispano o Latino es lo mejor que te puede pasar ya que ademas de tu cultura puedes aprender sobre los demas. Ejemplo tengo amigos de diferentes partes de latino y central america y se siente increible aprender sobre sus culturas palabras. Ademas te sorprende cada dia de los diferente que son y a la misma vez tan iguales. Es increible ser Latino. Me encanta ser Latina y no me arrepiento de donde vengo.”
– Alanys Melendez, Class of 2023, Rowe-Clark Math & Science Academy
English translation: “Many people wonder what it’s like to be Hispanic or Latino. For me, being Latina is amazing. There are many things that can be learned from our history. As a Puerto Rican, I still have a lot to learn about my culture. Being Hispanic or Latino does not only mean speaking Spanish or being born in Latin American countries but knowing as much as possible about where you come from and being proud of who you are. I will always say that I am Puerto Rican so you know it. More than Puerto Rican, I am Latina and I want everyone who knows me to know that. Being Hispanic or Latino is the best thing that can happen to you because, in addition to learning about your culture, you can also learn about others. For example, I have friends from different parts of Latin and Central America, and it’s amazing to learn about the different words they use in their culture. It surprises you every day how they can be so different but at the same time very similar. It is amazing to be Latino. I love being Latina and I don’t regret where I come from.”
