In October, local schools embraced a colorful celebration of culture and diversity: Hispanic Heritage Month. Celebrated from mid-September to mid-October, Hispanic Heritage Month recognizes the Hispanic community’s rich history, culture, and contributions. Schools across the ESD 112 region enjoyed a blend of festivities and learning, from lively assemblies featuring traditional performances to thought-provoking classroom activities.
Fort Vancouver High School, Vancouver Public Schools
Fort Vancouver High School celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with a cultural assembly hosted by Movimiento Estudiantil Chicanx de Astlan (MEChA) on October 10, bringing the school community together in person and virtually through a livestream.
The event featured local music trio Estilo 360, a traditional Baile Folklórico performance, and an impressive Charrería demonstration by student Leo Herrera, who has practiced this Mexican equestrian art since the age of 12.
Between these performances came an inspiring keynote speech about dreams, hard work, and the power of community by Ana Karen Betancourt Macias, an advocate for immigrant rights and the first undocumented person to receive the Marshall Public Leadership Award.
Ana’s message was powerful and clear: “You don’t have to be perfect, you just have to be persistent. When you encounter challenges, which you will, think about the leaders that came before you. Think about their tenacity, and make your dreams a reality.”
Heritage High School, Evergreen Public Schools
In early October, students gathered during their lunch periods at Heritage High School to commemorate Hispanic Heritage Month with food, music, and interactive games. This celebration, coordinated by the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports team and school media center, created an exciting opportunity for cultural exchange. View photos and videos from the event on Instagram >
Discovery High School, Camas School District
Kelsy Benton, a Spanish Teacher at Discovery High School, embraced the spirit of Hispanic Heritage Month by asking students to create a modern social media persona for a Spanish-speaking historical figure. Using their Spanish language skills, students crafted social media posts that these historical personalities might have made if they lived in today’s digital age, requiring students to balance historical accuracy with contemporary context. This activity helped students connect with these historical figures while exploring their profound influence on both Hispanic and American culture.
Two of these created profiles included Instagram pages for Salvador Dali, a Spanish artist, and Frida Kahlo, a Mexican painter.
Salvador Dali (@SillySal),
made by Senior Hannah Cuffel-Leathers
Frida Kahlo (@unibrow_queen),
made by Senior Tallulah Williams
As schools continue to embrace and celebrate diversity, these moments of cultural connection create lasting bridges of understanding between students of all backgrounds. These observances may span just one month, but their impact on representation, pride, and unity resonates throughout our school community year-round.
ESD 112 equalizes educational opportunities for learning communities through innovative partnerships, responsive leadership, and exceptional programs.