From Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, schools across the United States, including Aliso Niguel High School, take time to recognize the achievements, culture and impact of Hispanic and Latino Americans during Hispanic Heritage Month. This celebration, which takes place annually across campuses, classrooms and communities, is a chance for students to connect with history, amplify voices and celebrate identities.
Hispanic Heritage Month began as a weeklong observance in 1968 under President Lyndon B. Johnson and was expanded to a full month by President Ronald Reagan in 1988. The starting date, Sept. 15, was chosen to coincide with the independence days of several Latin American countries, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Mexico celebrates on Sept. 16 and Chile on Sept. 18.
At its core, the month recognizes the contributions of Americans whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. But at a local level, like here at ANHS, it also gives students the chance to explore identity and build understanding across cultures.
Mrs. Sepe says, “As the year goes on we grow in our knowledge of everything, it’s hard at the start of the school year when were just getting started, but at the end our kids get a bigger knowledge of it and more of a connection and attachment to these Spanish speaking countries.”
Outside of school, students can take part in Hispanic Heritage Month by supporting Latin-owned businesses, watching films or listening to music by Hispanic artists or even cooking a traditional dish at home. Streaming platforms often curate Hispanic Heritage Month playlists or collections, making it easy to explore music and stories from across Latin America.
Teachers across departments may also integrate Hispanic culture into their lessons during the month. These cross-curricular connections help show that Hispanic heritage isn’t just part of one subject; it’s embedded in many parts of life.
“Hispanic Heritage month starts on September 15 and that happens to be most of Central America’s independence day’s so I definitely put out my Salvidorian flag outside my house and I try to go to baseball games because a lot of them do heritage nights.”, Says Mrs. Sepe
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 60 million people in the U.S. identify as Hispanic or Latino, making up almost 20 percent of the population. That number is reflected in the diverse student body at ANHS, where cultural heritage continues to play a meaningful role in shaping student identities.
As Hispanic Heritage Month wraps up, the goal is not to let the learning stop there. Students and staff alike are encouraged to continue seeking out stories, traditions and voices from Hispanic communities throughout the year. The more we learn about each other, the stronger our community becomes.
By engaging in events, classroom discussions and personal exploration during this time students develop a broader perspective on what it means to be part of a multicultural society. For students of Hispanic and Latino heritage, the month can be a powerful affirmation of identity and pride. For others, it serves as a meaningful opportunity to become informed allies and active participants in celebrating diversity.
The celebration may officially end on October 15, but the message it promotes is enduring. Embracing cultural awareness, respecting diverse backgrounds and learning from one another are values that Aliso Niguel students can carry with them throughout the school year and beyond. In recognizing and honoring Hispanic heritage, the school community builds a foundation for empathy, inclusion and unity.
