Starting in 1968, Hispanic Heritage Month lasts from Sept 15 to Oct 15 yearly. It offers a chance for the Hispanic community in the United States and the rest of the world to celebrate their accomplishments. There are many ways to observe the month and recognize the achievements of the Latino community, even if you’re not Hispanic. One option is to attend a meeting of the Latino Club here at South. Formed last year, it’s a great way to learn more about Hispanic culture, mostly by eating food and connecting with others.
Co-president of Latino Club, Paul Kaminski ‘24, offered examples of what he does to celebrate the month. One of them was to visit local Hispanic-owned businesses or restaurants and support them in any way you can.
“It’s a wonderful club that’s going to be very laid back,” Kaminski said. “It’s going to be more about spreading the culture and informing people.”
The South faculty are also finding ways to celebrate the time, with one example being Cindy Morefield-Pinder, who is the staff advisor for the Latino Club. Morefield-Pinder has spent time in Bucaramanga, Colombia, as part of an exchange program and said it was a crucial point in her life.
“Any month where we can dedicate time to noticing the beautiful diversity that we have in the United States, I think is really paramount,” Morefield-Pinder said. “Listen to some music in Spanish to keep your mind open because the diversity of the Hispanic people is huge.”
Another member of the Latino club, Joey Drawbaugh ’24, also enjoys celebrating the month to get closer to his friends and understand their backgrounds more. As the club’s treasurer, he encouraged everyone at South to join the laid-back and fun club.
“Latino Club to me is a way to get in tune with other people’s cultures and to diversify myself as well,” Drawbaugh said.
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Ways to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month
October 5, 2023
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About the Contributors
Brian Foote '24, Staff Writer
Brian Foote ’24 joined the Tower to express his opinions to his peers. As a first-year staff writer, Foote said he is excited to get writing.“I’m going to enjoy Tower because it allows me to express my opinions to my peers,” Foote said. Foote said he lived in Puerto Rico for six years, which has given him the opportunity to learn new things. Something he picked up over that time was rock climbing, an adrenaline and danger-filled sport. “Rock climbing is comparable to Tower because I’ll need to get over obstacles,” Foote said. “It also helps me to be a leader and problem-solve.”
Foote said he also enjoys playing guitar, and if he's not, he’s talking about his life and experiences.“I enjoy playing guitar because it helps me be more creative,” Foote said. “As for talking, I just like having conversations about my various interests”.
Maria Wortman ’24, Supervising Copy Editor
Maria Wortman ’24 is a second year staffer and a supervising copy editor for The Tower. Outside of Tower, Wortman said she enjoys reading, traveling and urges people to join the newly-founded Club Latino. She is excited for the possibilities The Tower offers her this year and looks forward to a great year.“I love how free we are in Tower to really write the work we want to produce,” Wortman said. “Obviously, there are still expectations (for all) of us, but we can still choose to approach stories from an independent angle which allows us to grow as writers.”Also in her freetime, she enjoys playing guitar.
“I enjoy playing the guitar in my free time,” Wortman said. “I love playing for people, although I am not great.”