Culture, pride, and community take center stage at the Hispanic Heritage Club as they celebrate students’ backgrounds and traditions. 

The Hispanic Heritage Club, created in 2024, aims to build a supportive community where students can immerse themselves in Hispanic culture, share unique customs, and have fun. Each month, students learn about a new aspect of Hispanic culture, such as photography, holidays, cuisine, and more.

For senior Abraham La Rosa, the idea for the club stemmed from his own experience of feeling isolated after moving to the United States.

“Whenever I first moved here I was really lonely,” La Rosa said. “No one else spoke Spanish, and I learned later that others did too. I wanted to make sure people felt close to their culture and could be comfortable with others in a new environment.”

Spanish teacher Yuridiana Franco, who sponsors the club, said she believes the organization provides an important space for students of Hispanic backgrounds to feel connected.

“I think it helps to have a place to get to know other students with similar backgrounds,” Franco said. “Sometimes they wouldn’t get to know each other otherwise, especially if they’ve already placed out of taking another language class.”

Junior Didier Simo said the club also helps bridge connections between Hispanic and non-Hispanic students.

“For Hispanic students, it benefits them because some people don’t speak a lot of English and feel lonely,” Simo said. “Having a club for them to reunite is a good opportunity for everyone, both fluent and non-fluent speakers.”

The first official meeting of the Hispanic Heritage Club will take place on Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. in Room C135. All students are encouraged to attend.