Addison Trail celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month

Pictured is Addison Trail Principal Michael Bolden.

At Addison Trail, we are proud to welcome a diverse student population, which includes a Hispanic group of more than 61 percent. Between Addison Trail and its sister school, Willowbrook, we have about 40 languages and more than 30 countries represented in District 88, and almost half of the 4,000 students in the district speak a language other than English at home. Our students come from various backgrounds, and embracing that diversity has led to continued success in the classroom and beyond. We provide a high-quality educational experience for all students to ensure each child has the opportunity to reach his or her potential.

As part of that focus, Addison Trail recently celebrated National Hispanic Heritage Month. The initiative was coordinated by about 13 staff members, who volunteered their time to meet before and after school to plan events/activities for the month. According to www.hispanicheritagemonth.org, “Hispanic Heritage Month, whose roots go back to 1968, begins each year on Sept. 15, the anniversary of independence of five Latin-American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Mexico, Chile and Belize also celebrate their independence days during this period, and Columbus Day (Día de la Raza) is Oct. 12.”

From Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, our halls were filled with the traditional sights, sounds and foods of the Latino culture as we came together and celebrated through the following events and activities.

• We began the month-long celebration by giving away "conchitas" (Mexican pastries) to students who answered questions about Hispanic Heritage Month.
• Latino songs were played during passing periods as students went from class to class throughout the day.
• "Elotes" (Mexican corn on the cob) and T-shirts with the slogan “Viva la Diversidad” were sold at various occasions. Proceeds will go toward implementing a Hispanic Heritage Month scholarship for students.
• Multiple display cases were decorated in honor of the event.
• Frequent announcements recognizing historical Latino figures were shared with students and staff.
• Donations were collected for Puerto Rico and Mexico City to assist those affected by the recent natural disasters in those areas.

Thank you for your continued support of Addison Trail and District 88!