Maria Wortman '24
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.