More than half of the students enrolled in LCSC are of Hispanic Heritage. It is safe to say celebrating half of our population should be a high priority. National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. Historically, Hispanic Heritage was nationally recognized in 1968 but expanded to a month in 1988. At LHS, the Diversity Club has paved the way for celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month.

In recent years, the ethnic majority of students within the Logansport Community School Corporation has changed from white to Hispanic. As the Hispanic population in LHS continues to grow, so does the appreciation for Hispanic heritage. Senior Valeria Cortes has made extraordinary contributions to emphasize the importance of Hispanic Heritage Month as the president of the Diversity Club.

“Over the years we have come up with a variety of different activities,” Cortes said. “Every year we decorate the school and hang up posters with information about Hispanic Heritage Month. Every year we try adding something new.”

Another way the month is celebrated is through The Hispanic Heritage Art Competition, sponsored by the Diversity Club. This tradition was created in recent years by the Diversity Club. Artists of all ages are welcome and even schools surrounding Logansport are participating. The art pieces are being put on display as they come in.

“We have an LCSC Annual Art contest and use the theme of the year as the title of the contest, this year’s theme is ‘Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together,’” Diversity Club advisor Elisa Banuelos said. “The Diversity Club partners with the Art Club to get the art pieces judged and down to a few winners. The winners receive prizes that are donated by local Hispanic businesses and other local supporter businesses.”

Along with the art contest, the Diversity Club organized a few other events. The Hispanic Heritage spirit week consisted of “Highlight the Hispanic Culture,” “Si Se Puede,” “Team Jersey,” “Traditional or Loteri,” and “Viernes Vaquero,” Monday through Friday, respectively.

“Diversity club has tried to create a variety of things so that the students and staff can participate,” Banuelos said. “One of Diversity Club’s fundraisers is the chicharrones sale hosted one of the weeks during Hispanic Heritage Month. We have also come up with a spirit week.”

The timing of the Hispanic Heritage Spirit Week, from Sept. 30 to Oct. 4, was somewhat inexpedient. The student body was rather burnt out from the week prior, Sept. 23 to Sept. 27, or Homecoming spirit week. Unlike Homecoming Week, however, the Hispanic Heritage Spirit Week was not emphasized enough for a large number of participants.

“Hispanic Heritage Month is slowly becoming more recognized but there is always room for improvement,” Cortes said. “This year not many participated in our spirit week due to a lack of promotion. If we had more help organizing events, we could have more and get more of the community involved.”

Despite the strong efforts of the Diversity Club, some students did not participate since they had not been aware. Regardless, the importance of the month remains the same. Even if students choose not to participate in Spirit Week, the art contest, or the chicharrones fundraiser, they are still recognized.

“Celebrating the month highlights the diversity, assets, and contributions of the Hispanic and Latino cultures,” Banuelos said. “It also encourages young Hispanics and Latinos to be honored for their background, and to contribute to their community uniquely and with a purpose.”

Inside LHS, Hispanic and Latino cultures are celebrated and recognized for their numerous contributions to our society. Outside of school, students are connecting with their families and others within their culture.

“I am a Hispanic, so to me this month helps me recognize my culture and learn more about it,” Cortes said. “This month means a lot to my family because we reconnect with our roots and connect with others as well. Hispanic Heritage Month is not just for Hispanics to celebrate, but for everyone to celebrate their peers and acknowledge them.”