Marist School Observes Hispanic Heritage Month

Marist Director of Inclusion and Diversity Mr. Aaron Hill and a host of Marist faculty members provided assistance and direction to students in planning and learning from the month-long occasion. Mr. Hill remarked, “Heritage month celebrations and events help us fulfill our school’s mission to form the whole person in the image of Christ. We are called to come into contact with others to experience the gift of reconciliation as well as peace of heart and mind. Moreover, as we celebrate our differences, we get to see them as a reflection of God's creativity and generosity.”

In the classroom, students reached beyond the study of Spanish language to immerse themselves in learning about impactful Latin Americans throughout history, discovered articles and short stories about Latin American culture, and tried their hands at various culinary cuisines. The Latin American Studies Culture Club decorated the display case in Bishop Gunn Administration Center with a variety of items that symbolize Hispanic culture and shared several morning prayers with the Marist community.

Concurrently, Marist was pleased to host 24 exchange students from Barcelona-based sister school, Maristes La Inmaculada. The Spanish exchange students and their teachers were able to experience high school life in the United States through time spent with their Marist hosts. Next spring, Marist students will visit Maristes La Inmaculada with Spanish teacher Ms. Jessica Askins.

Marist School Spanish Club, Latin American Studies Culture Club, Spanish Honor Society, and the Office of Inclusion & Diversity marked the end of Hispanic Heritage Month with a festive Block Party. Students enjoyed food samples, played dominoes, danced salsa, and marked their family’s heritage on a world map.

Though the official celebrations concluded with the school-wide block party, the opportunity to continue learning did not end there. Toward the end of October, the Marist Spanish Club held a gathering marking Día de Los Muertos, the Mexican holiday which celebrates and remembers family. With a live mariachi band and pan dulce (sweet bread), the event was both lively and tasty. Acknowledging uniquely Hispanic traditions illustrates for Marist students the colorful tapestry of American heritage and promotes reconciliation and belonging among all people.

As Hispanic Heritage Month concluded, Mr. Aaron Hill reflected, “Almighty God, through His Holy Spirit, created unity through diversity, and we should acknowledge each other’s human diversity as an expression of His manifold love for us.”

We are grateful to Ms. Jessica Askins, Mrs. Erica Buchanan, Mr. José Gregory, and Mr. Aaron Hill for their continued guidance and instruction as we foster a community of inclusion here at Marist School.