Moreau Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month 

By Brooke Joly, MCHS News & Life Editor 

Photo courtesy of Lilia Gonzalez-Joly

Did you know that about 27 percent of Moreau Catholic’s student body identifies as Hispanic or Latinx? That’s one reason Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated each year in the United States from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, is such an important time to recognize the history, culture, and contributions of the Hispanic and Latinx community.

Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated during this time of the year because seven Spanish-speaking countries, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico, and Chile, commemorate their independence days in September. For people from these countries, independence means freedom from colonial rule and the ability to govern themselves, and it is a source of pride that reflects their resilience and rich cultural heritage.

At Moreau Catholic, celebrations are led by Nuestra Gente, the school’s Hispanic/Latinx culture club. One highlight of the month is the Diversity Museum under the main stairwell, where the club decorates to share traditions and history with the student body. By doing so, students and staff can pause and admire the beauty of Latin culture.

Nuestra Gente officer Abrianna Reynaga said, “Hispanic Heritage Month reminds me to celebrate my roots, honor my culture, and be proud of where I came from.”

The club also shares daily facts during morning announcements. Many people in the United States don’t realize that many of our most common foods originated right here in the Americas, long before European colonization. For example, a recent fact informed students that chocolate, corn, and chili peppers were all first cultivated in Mexico and Central America.

A common misconception is the difference between “Hispanic” and “Latino”, Hispanic refers to people from Spanish-speaking countries, while Latino/Latina/Latinx refers to people from Latin America, whether or not they speak Spanish.

Additionally, Nuestra Gente performed a fun folklórico dance during the football halftime show on Sept. 19. Through these activities, the club brings pride to Hispanic culture while helping the entire Moreau community learn and celebrate together.