A Recap of Hispanic Heritage Month

National Hispanic Heritage Month officially started on September 15th, and it ended on October 15th. The energy and momentum that have been built by Los Escorpiones Latinos Club and the Hispanic/Latino community are still lingering in the halls! This year’s national theme was “Unidos Somos Más: Together We Are More,” which celebrates family, resilience, creativity, faith, and service. The Escorpiones Latinos Club made sure that Hispanic and Latino heritage is not just recognized, but also truly celebrated across the school and OM community!

To start Hispanic Heritage Month, they kicked it off with a lively spirit week, which got most of the OM community involved:
Tuesday (09/15) – Flag Day/Colors

Wednesday (09/16) – Hispanic Inspiration Day

Thursday (09/17) – Lotería Day

Friday (09/18) – Jersey Day

Each day was brought by its very own unique vibe. There are two teacher sponsors for Escorpiones Latinos: Mr. De La Mar and Mr. Loyola. Mr. De La Mar shared how Lotería Day stood out to him the most, making it his favorite day despite having some initial hesitation. “It was very creative[…]” he shared; he said that he noticed both he and some students had to explain what Lotería was to non-Hispanic peers. Lotería is a traditional Mexican game that is very similar to Bingo, and the main difference is that Bingo uses numbered balls and grids, while Lotería uses a deck of colorful image cards and matching picture boards. Lotería Day sparked an actual, genuine curiosity across the student community, and encouraged everyone to learn something new too. As for the club president, Jocelin Maeda Tovar, Jersey Day was her favorite Spirit Week Day. “A lot of people came with jerseys that day […] lots of people participated, there were jerseys from different countries, and sports, which all had different designs, styles, and colors,” Jocelin stated.

For Jocelin, leading Los Escorpiones Latinos as club president, especially during this month, carries a deep and personal meaning for her. It all started during her freshman year. Jocelin has always been very interested in being a part of a hispanic/latino club here at OM, but there wasn’t much activity or events for Escorpiones Latinos during that time, so it didn’t really interest her. Fast forward to her Junior year, she asked Mr. De La Mar about the club, and he later offered Jocelin a leadership role for Escorpiones Latinos Club during her senior year, and she immediately agreed! She took that chance, and since then there has been very positive feedback and outstanding results from that. Many say that she is doing a very great job leading, especially with promoting Escorpiones Latinos on Instagram and giving Hispanic students a stronger voice. Compared to last year, there have been several people who have come up to her asking her about Escorpiones Latinos, and in general, Escorpiones Latinos has received lots of engagement overall.

The Anticipation: Before the Assembly

The Hispanic Heritage Month’s Assembly (the school’s first one in years) was on October 7th, and it was a moment that Los Escorpiones Latinos have been waiting for. After practicing for hours, and trying their best, they gave it their all for this big and anticipated moment.

Behind the scenes, preparing for the assembly has been both very thrilling and intense. Jocelin admitted that they had been working very diligently, and it had been a bit stressful too. “But I’m mostly excited to see everyone’s reaction, and what they are gonna think about it,” she said. Jocelin hoped everyone could look forward to the Shredheads performance, Dance Company performance, the dances, parade of flags representing different Latin American countries, and more!

Mr. De La Mar hoped that this assembly would leave a lasting impression on the entire student body. “I just want the school to walk out thinking, ‘Wow, that was cool.’ …I want everyone to see the culture, and just be ‘wowed’ after they leave.”

Since there are students who aren’t able to attend after-school club meetings, the assembly serves as something vital to bring Hispanic and Latino culture directly to the student body!

The Big Moment: Making School History
As the assembly ended and everyone who participated bowed, Oakland Mills made history. As Mr. De La Mar discovered while talking to staff, this wasn’t just the first assembly in a decade, but it was likely the first ever Hispanic Heritage Assembly in school history here at OM!

“We have made history and set a new benchmark for all future Hispanic Heritage assemblies,” Mr. De La Mar shared. This assembly consisted of a build-up of energy, which it started with a duet of “Remember Me,” sung by Francisco S. and Ricardo R., and continuing with Quincieañera dresses, Bachata Dances by the Dance Company, dynamic and hooked performances by Escorpiones Latinos and Shredheads too, and concluding with an amazing Flag Parade. “I think that the message was very well received by the students and staff. We wanted to demonstrate Latin culture and entertain the audience at the same time. That is exactly what happened,” he shared.

For Jocelin, taking the stage brought both nerves and an incredible reward. “Now that it is over, I see how all my hard work has paid off just from seeing everyone be moved and feel so happy,” she said. During the second show, the crowds exceeded all expectations. “I was expecting more of a muted crowd and was not expecting hearing my name being shouted from all corners, and seeing everyone so excited.”

A defining moment for Jocelin was wearing her Quinceañera dress one last time and being able to nail a flip during the dance performance. More than anything, she hopes that this assembly sparked inspiration and interest across the community here at OM. “I hope people remember what we are made of and that we’re not that typical stereotype,” Jocelin reflected, proud to prove that a major cultural event could be pulled off during this school year.

Walking through the halls after the show and hearing classmates and friends say “amazing show” brought a sense of relief and pride to the club. Many enjoyed watching the assembly, saying how amazing it was. Proving that when students unite together to share their heritage, the school community benefits!

As the school year continues, Escorpiones Latinos plans on bringing culture, passion, and representation to the community. Making sure that every student feels seen, heard, and valued. The club didn’t just celebrate one month; they set a new standard for inclusivity at OMHS. Hispanic Heritage Month may be over, but the message: Unidos Somos Más will carry on throughout the rest of the school year and beyond!