Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from September 15 to October 15. Its main goal is to spotlight and recognize Hispanic/Latino Americans history and achievements. Many major cities will host art exhibits, festivals, concerts, runs and parades.
Hispanic Heritage Month starts in the middle of September because that is when many Latin American countries have their independence day including Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salador and Guatemala.
Hispanic Heritage Month originally started as Hispanic Heritage week under President Lydon B Johnson but was later expanded to a 30 day-period by President Ronald Regan.
In America, about 19% of the population is Hispanic/Latino (Around 62.5 million people).
Florida has the third largest Hispanic/Latino population in the country, making up about 26% of our state’s population (Around 5.7 million people).
1 in 4 children in America are Hispanic. In Jupiter, our Hispanic/Latino population continues to grow and strengthen our community so it’s important to recognize and celebrate their heritage and culture.
At Jupiter High, we have a large Hispanic/Latino student body making up 32% of our students, Latinos in Action is both a club and class that highlights how we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month here at school.
Keila Hernandez-Palomino, Junior, President of Latinos in Action works with the Hispanic population to help better our community.
“It [the club] focuses on working with the Hispanic and Latino community in excelling their skills at working within the community as well as also doing service and helping to build relationships with other people,” Hernandez-Palomino said.
Latinos in Action is taking different steps to help enrich the community by encouraging its members to take part in local events.
“This club has presented many students with jobs and expanded their opportunities,” Hernandez-Palomino said.
In the past, Latinos in Action has spent time volunteering at middle and elementary schools, Furry Friends and the local nursing home.
“Every month we have a different social event – this year I want to not only do community service here at school but also outside of JHS – We are going to start tutoring Kindergarten through 2nd grade every Tuesday and Thursday,” Hernandez-Palomino said.
Not only does Latinos In Action help outside of school, but they also work on teaching and informing the students.
“Right now we are focusing on the difference between Hispanic and Latino – Hispanics come from Spanish speaking countries for example most of Central America and Spain while Latin American countries are part of Latin America so that would include Brazil and Portugal – even though they speak portuguese,” said Hernandez-Palomino.
Latinos in Action takes pride in the work and service they put towards helping Jupiter and our school.
“The [club] aspect is very involved and we spend a lot of hours committed to helping the community,” said Hernandez-Palomino.
