Hispanic heritage month

As many people of varying ethnicities gathered in Clausen Hall on October 11 to celebrate and attend an event for Hispanic Heritage Month, an uncanny feeling of community was tangible. Though it is not surprising, given the tradition of cultural solidary that is AHS, one might be taken aback by the vibrant display of ethnic pride that was the Hispanic Heritage Month Banquet. This much-anticipated event, hosted by the Hispanic Leadership Club, was a lively and well-planned taste of Latino culture given to the AHS community.
Planning for this event began long before the start of the school year. It took “countless hours of pain and sweat” to make the evening a success, said HLC member Carlos Galacia, who acted as the MC for the evening. In order to organize such a massive effort, teams of club members worked hard during weekly meetings to create posters, outline presentations, and prepare a menu. The fruits of their tireless labor were proudly displayed around the room. Decorative informational posters from various South and Central American countries were on exhibit for curious onlookers to view. Soft music played in the background to set the mood for the evening.
The formal part of the banquet began with a performance by a four-person mariachi band, Marriachi Aguila. Mariachi is a traditional genre of Hispanic music, and is domestically known as “the music of the country people.” This group drew much applause from the increasing crowd, who sang along to tradational melodies such as Amor Eterno (Eternal Love). After entertaining us with a few more tunes, they took requests from the enthused audience.
Then came the food. Even before HLC members appeared bearing steaming trays of Hispanic delacacies, the pleasant aroma of “la comida” filled the room. Soon, lengthy files of people appeared to sample dishes from all across Latin America. The loaded trays were quickly emptied by pleased attendees. Many from the AHS community, including Emily and Geraldine Jimenez, enjoyed their meals of pollo, yucca, and sultania. They offered their view on the night, saying, “We came for the food! It was also a good opportunity to see Hispanics and non-Hipanics coming together to celebrate.”  
Spanish teachers Erick Giblin and Antonio Rivadenera also offered their views on the celebration. “This is a wonderful way to celebrate the Hispanic community at AHS,” said Giblin.
“The timing is very good for the banquet, because it is a high point in Hispanic Heritage Month… I love the food, and like the music! Its a great fiesta!” added Rivadenera.
People were taught by helpful HLC members to enjoy the explosion of flavor that was pollo with fried yuccca. This party was made possible with food donations from local eateries, including Chicken Pollo, La Fondita, and Victor’s Grill. They agreed to help out because of the night’s positive display of Latino culture, and in exchange for the distribution of advertising fliers by club participants.
This event, now expected to become an annual venture, was expected to draw a crowd of at least 100. With tickets selling for $7 each, the HLC projected a profit of at least $700. This money will be put towards the club’s upcoming trip to San Diego next summer. They hope to attend the NCLR (National Council of La Rasa) conference. Next up for HLC will be the holiday Toys for Tots drive, a joint effort with the Just World/Interact Club.
All are welcome to join the club! If you would like to become involved, please see Miss Carry. Meetings are held every Monday after school in room 278.