Hispanic Heritage Month has begun and students in the SKS Hispanic Club are ready to share their knowledge and cultures with the school community. Recently, club leaders Ana Paula A. ’24, Andrea L. ’25, and Regina B. ’24 presented their upcoming plans in a colorful slideshow at a weekly All School Meeting. “Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated to honor our history and those past generations who came to the United States from Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America,” explained Ana Paula. “It is also a time to recognize the many contributions, diverse cultures, and extensive histories of Latino-Americans.”

Andrea L. ’25, Ana Paula A. ’24, and Regina B. ’24

To kick off the fun, the students worked with Chef Andy on a special Hispanic-themed lunch menu made up of delicious dishes including tacos, empanadas, rice, churros, and Octavio’s homemade tortillas. The jalapeño-eating contest was also a hit once again this year with two brave winners Amber L. ’25 and Mariah K. ’26. The students are also planning a Hispanic Movie Night in the theater, a Kahoot Night in the dining hall during the October formal dinner, and a ‘Dress Like a Hispanic Flag Day.’

Jalapeño-Eating Contest

Mrs. Centeno, the faculty leader of the Hispanic Club, is also helping the students in her Spanish I & III classes to learn about Hispanic heritage. Their projects this month have been researching and presenting some of the most prominent artists, athletes, actors, scientists, writers, and politicians with Latino heritage. “Students chose an iconic Hispanic personality and researched their contributions to our society in the US and worldwide,” explained Mrs. Centeno. “Then, they much teach the rest of the class through a presentation and the rest of the school through a detailed poster. The posters will be displayed around the dining hall for all to learn from, which will also help with our upcoming Kahoot Night.”

What motives members of the Hispanic Club to be such active members of the school community? “We want to share Hispanic culture by creating a comfortable space for our classmates to discuss, create, and learn about all the different cultures and current events, not only during Hispanic Heritage Month, but all year long,” continued Andrea. “Our goal is to represent The Storm King School and its diversity, and promote social awareness within our school and community.”