Willowbrook celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month

Willowbrook recently celebrated National Hispanic Heritage Month, which takes place annually from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15.

The school’s Hispanic Organization of Leaders in Action (HOLA) Club hosted a variety of activities to recognize this important event, including:

• The group decorated hallways and display cases at the school (pictured above)
  
  
• The group shared facts and stories related to National Hispanic Heritage Month during daily announcements
  
  
• The group sold T-shirts in recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month
  
  
• The group hosted a fundraiser on Sept. 15 to support HOLA scholarships
  
  
• The event raised $650
  
  
• The event featured churros (fried dough coated in cinnamon sugar), conchas (soft and sweet Mexican bread), Mexican-style cookies and Agua de Horchata (Rice Water, a sweet and creamy beverage)

According to www.hispanicheritagemonth.gov, “Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept.15 to Oct. 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.” It began in 1968 and was originally observed as “Hispanic Heritage Week” under President Lyndon Johnson, but was later extended to a month during President Ronald Reagan’s term in 1988.

District 88 has about 50 languages and more than 30 countries represented among its families, and more than one-third of Willowbrook students speak more than one language. District 88’s core values include fostering an inclusive environment and a sense of belonging, where all students, staff and community members feel safe, valued, respected and welcome – regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity.