Bellefonte Area celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

We’re in the midst of Hispanic Heritage Month and the Spanish Honor Society, along with students in Spanish teachers Emily Zimdahl-McManus and Victoria Butch’s classes have been participating in educational activities that promote the Hispanic culture.

According to information from senior Gretchen Little, public relations student chairperson for the Spanish Honor Society, “the roots of Hispanic Heritage Month go back to 1968 under President Lyndon B. Johnson, but was only a week-long celebration.” She added that President Ronald Reagan expanded the cultural celebration in 1988 to last from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15. “During this 30-day period, we celebrate the culture, history and contributions of the American citizens whose ancestors came from Central and South America as well as Mexico, the Caribbean and Spain,” she said.

Students are learning about the Hispanic culture and notable Hispanic figures. Students in Spanish class have also been researching Hispanic figures and creating posters to display around the hallways of Bellefonte Area High School. “This project helps to promote the Spanish language and the accomplishments of Hispanic men and women around the world,” Little said. “In addition to promotional posters, the Spanish Honor Society posts a fun fact about Hispanic Heritage on the morning announcements.”