Celebrating Latinx and Hispanic Heritage Month

Fifth grade associate teacher Victor Diaz spoke to students at the recent middle school Latinx Heritage Chapel about his experience growing up in the United States as an undocumented Colombian immigrant. Eighth grade students wrote short biographies highlighting the achievements of prominent and historical Latin-American figures, such as civil rights activist Dolores Huerta, labor rights activist Cesar Chavez, and LGTBQ+ rights activist Sylvia Rivera. They shared their research with students and families on posters displayed in the South Hall. 

High school students heard from their fellow classmates of Latinx descent at the high school Latinx Heritage Chapel. Students discussed their identities and experiences as Hispanic New Yorkersl. Senior Mariaux C. briefly described the history of Hispanic Heritage Month, and senior Sophia F. recited a passage by her favorite Latina author, Clarice Lispector, to warm applause. The service concluded with a performance of Marc Anthony’s “Vivir mi Vida” sung by GraceNotes, the high school’s singing group. 

Throughout Latinx and Hispanic Heritage Month, ¡HOLA!, the high school Latine/Afro-Latinx affinity group, coordinated several fun initiatives in which all students could participate. They hosted weekly movie screenings on Fridays during lunch, and students of all grades enjoyed iconic Latinx-focused films such as Under the Same Moon, Encanto, and In the Heights. Finally, to mark the end of the month, members of ¡HOLA! organized a food sale to raise funds for hurricane relief for Taller Salud, a nonprofit organization providing food and water to families all over Puerto Rico after Hurricane Fiona devastated the island. ¡HOLA! members sold homemade foods such as empanadas, jugo jamaica, and tres leches cake and raised nearly $300 for hurricane relief. 

Grace Church School strives to foster an inclusive environment where all community members can share their stories and be their most authentic selves. To learn more about our affinity groups in the High School, please click here.