Colton, CA—The hispanic community in Colton was celebrated yesterday with music, free snacks, and games at the annual CHS Hispanic Heritage Celebration, held at the Rivera MPR.
Guidance counselor Myrna Cardenas shared, “It’s great for the kids to be exposed to this.”
This is the fifth consecutive year that CHS has hosted a schoolwide lunchtime event in honor of the community’s Hispanic heritage. The event coincides with Hispanic Heritage Month, which is held from September 15 through October 15 each year.
For many CHS students, this event validates their cultural heritage and family connection.
“I like to think of it as family,” said Ulises Sandoval-Castro describing what it means to play alongside his friends in his musical group, “EL groupo fortunado.” The band, comprised of juniors Kevin Barajas (drums), Jesus Gonzalez (guitar), Isaak Ontiveros (lead vocals, guitar), and Sandoval-Castro (bass) has become a mainstay of school events, but Hispanic Heritage is one of their favorites.
Many others reported feeling similarly, even saying the impact of events like this one will extend to other communities, bringing us all closer together.
In addition to live music, students played Loteria, led by ASB freshman Madelyn Roman Lizarraga and Angelina Alvarez, giving them an opportunity to have fun and get to know each other.
Food was also provided at the festival. ASB provided free cups of mini chamoy gummies and sold Mexican chips with lime and chile.
Senior Emma Jimenez felt that the food connected her to her childhood. “Growing up we always had these, even going to Mexico and eating these.”
Many students described this event as empowering and impactful, especially in light of perceived mistreatment of the hispanic/latino community by the federal government.
Having this festival showed Colton’s support for its Hispanic community.