Spring ISD Honors Student Talent in Vibrant Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration
The spotlight was shining on the work of Spring ISD students as the district celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month at Dekaney High School’s Star Theater. Hundreds of parents and community members enjoyed exhibits of art, writing, and poetry outside the theater, while musical and dance performances took place on the stage. This year’s theme was “Pioneers of Change, Shaping the future together!”
Nicholas Ardon and Anahi Bonilla, who are students at Carl Wunsche Sr. High School, served as emcees for the event, speaking to the crowd in English and Spanish.
After several performances, first, second and third place medals were awarded to the student artists and writers. These students have spent the last several days preparing their exhibits, essays and artwork.
Dr. Lupita Hinojosa, Superintendent of Spring ISD, was joined onstage by Board President Justine Durant and several members of the district’s board of trustees to hand out the awards.
Hinojosa said that she was excited to see the spirited celebration of Hispanic culture, tradition and language.
“In Spring ISD, we are a very diverse district, we have over 70 languages spoken, and we believe that our diversity is what makes us strong and at the same time, unites us. Tonight is a special time for us to come together to celebrate Hispanic Latino culture with our students, parents, and staff who are here tonight,” said Hinojosa.
Samba Goddard, K-5 Social Studies Curriculum Specialist, said that he was happy to see the annual event grow every year, stating it offered something for everyone.
“We have more first-place winners this year than ever before, and many second and third place winners as well. What we really love about Hispanic Heritage Month is that we have an abundance of students creating projects in both English and Spanish. It’s something that is extremely inclusive,” said Goddard.
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Over 250 students participated in the month-long celebration.
National Hispanic Heritage Month began in 1968 as a week-long observation under President Lyndon Johnston and later expanded to a month by President Ronald Reagan in 1988.
The starting day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively.
Pre-K–2 Individual
- Genesis Jimenez, Thompson Elementary School, PK-2 Category English, Art Individual
- Alex Rodriguez, McNabb Elementary School, PK-2 Category Spanish, Art individual
Grade 3–5 Individual
- Amy Gomez, Beneke Elementary School, 3-5 Category Spanish, Writing Individual
- Abigail John, Winship Elementary School, 3-5 Category English, Writing Individual
- Ashly Ramos, Major Elementary School, 3-5 Category English, Writing Individual
- Marialicia Silva, Eickenroht Elementary School, 3-5 Category English, Art Individual
Grade 3–5 Group
- Olivia Anderson, Camila Marchan and Kaylee DeLeon, Hirsch Elementary School, 3-5 Category Spanish, Art Group
- Cristopher Cardenas and Emanuel Islas, Northgate Crossings Elementary School, 3-5 Category English, Writing Group
- Jade Moreno, Ember Gilstrap and Everrette Stockwell, Hirsch Elementary School, 3-5 Category Spanish, Writing Group
Grade 6–8 Individual
- Fabio Yanes Borges, Twin Creeks, Middle School Category Spanish, Writing Individual
- Andrea Escamilla, Twin Creeks Middle School, Middle School Category English, Art Individual
- Abigail Sanchez, Spring Leadership Academy, Middle School Category English, Writing Individual
Grade 6–8 Group
- Terrica Starlard, Karly Galarza, Nathaly Castro and Roniza Han,Twin Creeks Middle School, Middle School Category English, Art Group
Grade 9–12 Individual
- Jeanmaik Arias, Momentum High School, High School Category Spanish, Art Individual
- Ashley Bonilla, Spring High School, High School Category English, Art Individual
- Mariam Boufenik, Spring High School, High School Category, English, Writing Individual
- Edgardo Prado, Spring High School, High School Category Spanish, Writing Individual
- Sarai Ventura, Westfield High School, High School Category English, Art Individual
Grade 9–12 group
- Sallely Martinez & Steeven Pleitez Quintanilla, Spring Early College Academy, High School Category English, Art Group
- Steeven Pleitz and Salley Martinez, Spring Early College Academy, High School Category English, Writing Group
Source: Spring ISD
