Horizons-on-the-Hudson's Virtual Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month Celebration

An Ofrenda for Dia de los Muertos Celebration at HOH

Part of our Hispanic Heritage Month Events and Activities

On Thursday, October 20th, Horizons-on-the-Hudson held their virtual Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month Celebration! The celebration was hosted by Emily Rosas, a 5th grade library troupe member, and her brother, Yahir Rosas, a current 9th grader at NFA and HOH alumnus/former library troupe member.

During the celebration, HOH scholars, members of NFA’s National Honor Society, and faculty showcased their pride in their Latinx/Hispanic heritage by speaking about their culture, traditions, and the countries where they, and their families, are from. 

2nd grader, Bryan Erazo, spoke about his Ecuadorian culture and his favorite meal, Salchipapas. 

4th grader, Diego Franco Medina created and read his book about how Colombia gained its independence from Spain. His book can be found here: Link to Diego's eBook

4th grader, Angello, also shared a writing piece that he worked on with Mrs. Fuentes, his ENL teacher. In this writing piece, Angelo compared and contrasted schools in Peru and in the United States. Before joining the HOH family, Angello lived in Peru where he describes having a different academic experience. His work can be found here: Angello's Writing Piece

5th grader, Lyanella Cantillo, created and shared a presentation on what Colombia/Colombian culture looks like today. In her presentation, she taught students and staff about beautiful attractions in Colombia, Colombia’s flag and national anthem, popular slang and Spanish phrases, and traditional Colombian music and dishes. Her presentation can be found here: Link to Lya's Presentation

In addition to having HOH scholars share their work, NFA National Honor Society members Melody Zenteno-Morales and Lennox Guzman joined the celebration as well! Melody read aloud her poem, Mi Tierra, which translates to my land. Her poem can be found here: Melody's Poem.  Lennox presented a book he had digitized and read in Spanish.

At the end of the celebration, 5th grade Unlimited Horizons teacher, Mrs. Gonzalez-Heyes, and HOH’s Spanish teacher, Ms. Bravo, shared information about Dia de los Muertos, a Mexican holiday where people celebrate and remember their loved ones who have passed away. Ms. Bravo built an Ofrenda which is a table on which families place pictures of departed loved ones and food primarily pan de muerto (bread of the dead) and calaveritas de azúcar (sugar skulls), and she invited families, faculty and staff to bring in pictures of loved ones to add. In addition to putting together a school Ofrenda, Ms.Bravo and HOH students in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade created digital Ofrendas in memory of famous people that have passed away.  See their creations below.

5th Grader -  Royalti R. 

4th Grade - Ayden C. 

4th Grade -  Kimberly R. 

Event organizers were HOH Librarian, Mrs. Wright Jumpp, the HOH PTO, HOH Spanish Teacher, Ms. Bravo, HOH Unlimited Horizons 5th Grade Teacher, Mrs. Gonzalez-Heyes, and HOH parent, Kate Clarke.   

Story (written by Janie Bravo) and photos submitted by Michell Wright Jumpp

ATTENTION: Are your scholars or colleagues doing something great? Please contact the district Communications Team at communications@necsd.net. We’d love to visit your class or event and/or post your pictures and recap to highlight the amazing accomplishments throughout our district!