Addison Trail celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month

For the 10th year, Addison Trail celebrated National Hispanic Heritage Month, which takes place annually from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15.

The school hosted a Hispanic Heritage Week from Sept. 28 to Oct. 3, which featured spirit days, lunchtime activities, student-led musical performances, poetry and the annual Kermes (a Latino food and culture festival).

This year’s Hispanic Heritage Week activities included:

Hallway decorations and activities:
Students helped decorate the school with papel picado (traditional Mexican decorative paper banners), displays featuring famous Hispanic icons, a “Can You Match the Flag With Its Country?” activity and a wall recognizing Hispanic staff members. Students also participated in activities such as creating friendship bracelets to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Week. To view a photo gallery, click on the image above (or go to www.dupage88.net/ATHHWDecorations2026).

A spirit week from Sept. 28 to Oct. 3:

See the flyer above for each day’s theme.

Sept. 28:
Hispanic Heritage Week began with conchas in the commons area and a musical performance by Mariachi de Addison Trail, an Addison Trail student-led group. The gathering gave students and staff an opportunity to enjoy a traditional Mexican sweet bread and celebrate Hispanic heritage and culture through music. To view a photo gallery, click on the image above (or go to www.dupage88.net/ATHHWMariachiDeAT2026).

Oct. 1:
Addison Trail welcomed Chicago-based writer and educator Diego Báez for two sessions. Báez guided students through brainstorming techniques to help them get started on a poem and also spoke with students about poetry, writing and his experiences as a writer and educator. He is the author of "Yaguareté White," which was named Best New Poetry Collection by the Chicago Reader. To view a photo gallery, click on the image above (or go to www.dupage88.net/ATHHWPoetBaez2026).

Oct. 2:
The week continued with a Hispanic Heritage Month Concert during lunch periods. Students and staff gathered in the commons area to enjoy performances by two Addison Trail student-led groups, Grupo Quimera and Los de la Clave. The performances showcased the musical talent of Addison Trail students and provided an opportunity for the school community to celebrate Hispanic culture, music and traditions together. To view a photo gallery, click on the image above (or go to www.dupage88.net/ATHHWConcert2026).

Oct. 3:
Addison Trail hosted its annual Kermes, a Latino food and culture festival, which featured an evening of Latino food, music and culture. The event showcased traditional Latino dishes, along with live student performances, music, raffles, games and activities for children. Proceeds will help provide scholarships for Addison Trail students. The event was sponsored by Addison Trail’s Interact Club and Padres Unidos (United Parents), bringing together the Blazer community for an evening of food, entertainment and cultural celebration. The event involved 70 student volunteers and participation from more than nine other clubs. To view a photo gallery, click on the image above (or go to www.dupage88.net/Kermes2026). Select photos courtesy of HR Imaging Partners.

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 and Addison Trail celebrate the cultural diversity of its student body, as about 50 languages are represented among the district’s families. 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.