This year’s annual celebration of the Latinx and Hispanic culture was commemorated with a month of various events sponsored by the National Spanish Honor Society (NSHS).

The honor society began the preparation for Hispanic Heritage Month in early September, starting with a general board meeting. The group discussed different school activities to honor the school’s Hispanic cultures, with the society’s sponsor, World Languages teacher Cesar Cuenca, concocting plans for class assignments and luncheons.

“We wanted everyone to learn something about the Hispanic countries,” NSHS Vice President Valerie Bautista said. “This school is so diverse … there are so many different cultures, it’s good for everyone to know who they’re surrounded with and all the places that they’re from.” 

The first event began shortly after the general meeting. Cuenca assigned his Spanish classes to make a poster of a Hispanic country or famous Hispanic writer. His students’ posters, along with other classes that participated, were used to turn the Language hallway into an “art gallery.” 

 With the help of the Black Student Union, NSHS hosted a Hispanic Heritage teacher luncheon on Oct. 6. Teachers were served paella, a Spanish rice dish cooked by Social Studies teacher Arturo Tenacio, and Cuban pastries were served as well. The teachers were able to have a relaxing lunch, enjoying traditional Spanish music and dishes.

On Friday, Oct. 7, students in first and second lunch were also able to partake in the celebration. Five tables were set up, each representing a different country: Mexico, Argentina, Venezuela, Colombia and Peru. Board members and other volunteers brought food and handed samples to students as they answered trivia questions. All answers got a reward as a way to enlighten Krop students on the culture behind the food. Spanish music also played during lunch, including a Silver Dazzlers performance to Bad Bunny’s “Despues de la Playa.”

“There was a lot of interaction and a lot of people who normally wouldn’t participate,” NSHS Vice President Valerie Bautista said. “Since this school has so many different kinds of people, it’s nice for everyone to acknowledge each other’s culture.”

The month’s activities concluded with a Door Decorating Contest, where classes  competed for the best Hispanic Heritage-themed door. Many teachers participated, including Cuenca, Tenacio, Social Studies teachers Jessika Lozada and Aileen Dannwolf, Math Teacher Astrid Rodriguez, and World Languages teacher Daria Chacin.  Decorations showcased all of the Hispanic countries, and highlighted prominent Hispanic figures. Cuenca’s door won first place, and Dannwolf’s door received Honorable Mention.

“The NSHS really just wants to say thank you to everyone,” NSHS president Eleazar Cohen said. “Thank you to the volunteers, to BSU, to the club members, Cuenca and Tenacio. This was our way to teach students about Hispanic culture. I hope we succeeded.”