Addison Trail celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month

For the eighth year, Addison Trail celebrated National Hispanic Heritage Month, which takes place annually from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15.

The school hosted a variety of activities from Sept. 30 to Oct. 5 to recognize this important event, including:

Monday, Sept. 30

  • The Addison Trail Mariachi Club performed in the commons area as students and staff arrived at school (pictured above).

  • Free conchas (a soft and sweet Mexican bread) were available for students and staff before school (pictured above).

Tuesday, Oct. 1

  • Addison Trail hosted its annual Frida Fútbol Hispanic Heritage Evening Family Outing, where the Boys Soccer Team competed against Morton, and tacos were available to buy. To view a photo gallery from the event, click on the image above (or go to https://dupage88.net/site/page/16467).

Wednesday, Oct. 2

 

  • Addison Trail hosted a movie night, with a showing of “Shrek” (en español). The event was free, and popcorn, paletas (Mexican-style popsicles) and elote (Mexican street corn) were available to buy (pictured above).

Friday, Oct. 4

  • The Addison Trail Folklórico Club performed in the commons area as students and staff arrived at school.

Saturday, Oct. 5

  • Addison Trail hosted its 10th Kermes (Latino food festival), which featured traditional Latino dishes; music and dancers, including Addison Trail student performance groups; raffles; games and more. To view a photo gallery from the event, click on the image above (or go to www.dupage88.net/KermesPhotos2024-25).

Other events included

  • Decorating hallways, windows and display cases at the school 

  • Playing music by Hispanic and Latino Americans during passing periods

  • Highlighting staff from different countries and facts about those countries

  • Participating in the Loteria Card Design Contest

  • The Library Media Center hosted a “Journey of Champions,” which offered short, subject-specific activities to engage students and highlight the contributions of Hispanic individuals in various fields

 

  • Wearing this year’s Hispanic Heritage Month T-shirt, designed by Addison Trail sophomore Karvell Greene Jr. (pictured above)

According to www.hispanicheritagemonth.gov, “Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 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 52 languages represented among its families, and more than 60 percent of the nearly 2,000 students at Addison Trail 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.