Laurens County Celebrates Diversity: National Hispanic Heritage Month
In Laurens County, the spirit of inclusivity was alive and well as the Laurens County School District 55 (LCSD 55) celebrated its first official district-wide event for National Hispanic Heritage Month. This annual observance, which runs from September 15 to October 15, shines a bright light on the rich history, vibrant culture, and monumental contributions of Hispanic individuals to the United States. With a student body that includes approximately 830 students of Hispanic heritage, the district is embracing its diverse roots in truly exciting ways.
A Day of Learning and Growth
On September 24, staff members from the front office participated in a professional development session themed Harmonizing Cultural Diversity. Lydia Carnesale, a passionate Education Program Specialist from the U.S. Department of Education, led the session, sharing her personal and professional insights as someone with Hispanic heritage. Her knowledge and experiences inspired the staff to explore new ways to better serve students and their families from varying cultures.
Spotlighting Student Voices
Adding a creative twist to the festivities, LCSD 55 launched a month-long video series featuring influential students from Laurens 55 District High School (LDHS). The IMPACT: 55 series showcased students like Alexandra Lazaro Peralta and Jonathan Adame-Reyes, shedding light on their stories, passion, and personal achievements. This initiative also included a heartwarming video titled Celebrating Culture, which has been showcased across the district’s social media platforms and newsletters, reaching a wider audience than ever before.
Community Engagement
To further celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, the district introduced a multitude of initiatives including a social media campaign, a lively Hispanic Heritage Lunch Celebration on October 15, a series of giveaways, and eye-catching displays created by students at each school. LDHS’s Digital Arts Teacher, Candice Iusti, collaborated with her students to design stunning displays, while Spanish Teacher Susan Youmans worked tirelessly with her class to create culturally enriching bulletin boards, including a beautiful photo backdrop for Dia De Los Muertos at LDHS.
A Heartfelt Response
The response from both staff and families has been overwhelmingly positive. Mirella Jones, a member of the front office staff at Ford Elementary School (FES), proudly stated, “Hispanics have so much to share, and it’s great our district is celebrating our culture.” This sentiment has resonated among many, creating an environment where Hispanic students and their families feel welcomed and valued. Sandra Molina Batrez, an assistant at FES and mother of two LCSD 55 students, further illuminated this experience by stating, “This initiative fosters understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures, enhancing the educational experiences for all.”
Looking Forward
As the celebration came to a close, student Brittany Cruz Lopez, along with her parents, expressed gratitude for the district’s efforts. “Knowing our culture is recognized at school truly makes us feel valued,” Brittany said. Her father, Chris Cruz, echoed her excitement, emphasizing how these initiatives help every student appreciate cultures that may differ from their own.
As we step into the future, LCSD 55 has also planned to provide Harmonizing Cultural Diversity training for its staff in the coming months. With aspirations to expand and enhance their celebrations for Hispanic Heritage Month in the future, the district is dedicated to creating an inclusive atmosphere that honors and respects every culture represented in Laurens County.
It’s clear that LCSD 55 is committed to making waves of change, ensuring that every student knows the color and vibrancy of their culture is acknowledged and celebrated. Each small step they take brings the community closer, enriching the educational fabric of Laurens County as a whole.
