Wednesday, Sept. 15 was the start of National Hispanic Heritage Month. People celebrating during this time get to experience Latin culture and learn about the many contributions of Hispanic Americans.

“I think National Hispanic Heritage Month is significant because culture is a part of who you are and an important piece of your identity as a person,” sophomore Stephanie Acevedo said. “I stay in touch with my roots by continuing to speak Spanish and by listing to Mexican music.”

Many Latin American countries gained their independence on Sept. 15, 16 or 18. Due to the proximity of these dates, former President Lyndon B. Johnson signed a bill turning the week of Sept. 15 into “National Hispanic Heritage Week” in 1968. About 20 years later in 1988, former President Ronald Reagan lengthened the observation to an entire month.

Señora Lora Gallegos-Haynes has incorporated National Hispanic Heritage Month into her classroom. In class, she explained how Mexico gained independence from Spain on Sept. 16. Students were instructed to bring different Mexican-style dishes to class on that day in a celebration of freedom.

“It’s really interesting to learn how other people do things differently than you,” sophomore Abigail Redding-Boyer said. “It’s good to learn and enjoy new things as well as appreciate the people that have that heritage.”

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