Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated each year from September 15 to October 15. 

This time is meant to commemorate the ancestral and cultural heritage of those belonging to Spanish-speaking countries. Most of these countries are located in Latin America, with the exception of Spain in Europe and Equatorial Guinea in Africa. At the Academy, this month is especially significant due to a good amount of the student population identifying as Hispanic. 

These girls have mixed feelings on whether their culture is represented here at AHN. Some say that they feel that it is indeed shown through various initiatives, such as Spanish classes, the annual convocation, and the Spanish Club. On the other hand, others believe that it could be further represented, whether by making the Hispanic Heritage Month Convocation more authentic or by recognizing figures that have truly made an impact in the Hispanic World.  

Spanish teacher Josefina Bello said “I’m Venezuelan, and I love sharing how our culture truly is to people—that it’s not just Mexico or Puerto Rico. At the Academy, I am given the opportunity to teach both the language and culture of various Spanish-speaking countries.” 

The countries celebrated during this month are very diverse among themselves, given that a majority of the population are mestizos, who are people of mixed European and Indigenous ancestry. They also have multiple Spanish dialects, such as Nicaragua being significantly different from Argentina, despite being the same language. Most notable to people, however, is the diverse cuisine found in the various countries, ranging from the Peruvian ceviche to Mexican tacos. 

At the center of their culture, there are a set of values that are usually held, and all with a common pattern—belonging. People from this culture are very hospitable, generous, joyful, and essentially very warm. This builds on to the ultimate strength of the family and community that is felt by this group.   

“I love how we have a strong family value and that your family will stick with you through anything even if you barely see them, which fosters that sense of community,” said sophomore Ari Beaty. 

K’Lyn Bautista (‘27) said “One part about being Hispanic that I will always carry with me is the pride of my beautiful culture, especially the music and traditions that remind me of my home, Oaxaca, Mexico.” 

This reflects yet another common theme among Hispanics, where traditions play a central role in cultural expression. Academy girls demonstrate this through various celebrations, such as Día De Los Muertos, which is a day that commemorates loved ones who are gone, Noche Buena, also known as Christmas Eve, and quinceñeras. Even though to a certain extent, they also celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month through various manners, whether it’s trying new foods, supporting fellow artists, and other unique ways. 

Estella Alvarez (‘26) said that she celebrates the month by “Sharing [her] grandparents’ story and how they came over from Cuba and assimilated to U.S. culture. I feel like this is very inspirational, due to it demonstrating what they had to do to be accepted, because, at the time, they weren’t really inclusive.” 

Tune into the 2025 Hispanic Heritage Month Convocation that will take place on October 14, 2025 in the Brady Center.