Addison Trail celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month and Italian-American Heritage Month

District 88 has about 40 languages and more than 30 countries represented among its families, and almost half of the about 4,000 pupils at District 88 speak a language other than English at home.

The district continuously provides opportunities for pupils to experience other cultures to help them develop a global mindset and learn life lessons. As part of that focus, Addison Trail recently celebrated National Hispanic Heritage Month and Italian-American Heritage Month.

National Hispanic Heritage Month
For the second year, Addison Trail students, staff and community members recognized National Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. For more information, go to www.hispanicheritagemonth.gov. Below are events that took place at the school, which were hosted by the Addison Trail Interact Club.

Sept. 20: Addison Trail hosted a showing of the movie “Coco” in the baseball outfield, and more than 200 people attended the event. (pictured above)

Dance troupes and students perform during Addison Trail's fifth annual Kermes (Latino food festival) on Oct. 13.

Top left: Addison Trail students play a game during the school's fifth annual Kermes (Latino food festival) on Oct. 13. Top right: Children participate in a game at the event. Bottom left: Addison Trail junior Jaelene Vargas tries her hand at minigolf. Bottom right: Addison Trail sophomore Keven Juarez (right) paints a design for sophomore Gabriela Mendoza (center), as she chats with sophomore Nalysa Garcia.

Top: Pictured are members of the Addison Trail Interact Club, who helped plan and coordinate the school's fifth annual Kermes (Latino food festival) on Oct. 13. Bottom: Pictured are members of the Addison Trail Padres Latinos en Acción group, who helped cook the food and plan the event.

Oct. 13: Addison Trail’s Interact Club and Padres Latinos en Acción group hosted the school’s fifth annual Kermes (Latino food festival). More than 300 people attended the event (the largest turnout to date), which featured traditional Latino dishes, live entertainment, raffles and family-friendly activities. To see more photos from the event, go to www.dupage88.net/Kermes2018.

Throughout the month, students and staff wore T-shirts with the message “Diversidad Unida” and “Different Paths, Same Blazer Pride.” Addison Trail Interact Club members also sold elotes (Mexican corn on the cob) at various events. Proceeds will go toward student scholarships. (pictured above)

Display cases at the school were decorated to honor Hispanic Heritage Month.

Italian-American Heritage Month
For the first time, Addison Trail students, staff and community members recognized Italian-American Heritage Month throughout October. For more information, go to www.italianheritagemonth.com. Below are events that took place at the school, which were hosted by the Addison Trail Italian Club.

(From left) Addison Trail senior Cristina Mannino, senior Elvira Arias, junior Andrea Villarreal and world language teacher Enza Spilotro hand out cannoli provided by Elio Pizza on Fire during an event for staff members on Oct. 12 to celebrate Italian-American Heritage Month.

Oct. 12: Staff members were invited to enjoy cannoli provided by Elio Bartolotta from Elio Pizza on Fire in Addison. There also was a raffle for a jewelry piece made in Italy, which was provided by Arezzo Jewelers.
Throughout October, the halls were filled with the sounds of Italian music as students went from class to class during the day, and special announcements were shared to honor the month.

Display cases at the school were decorated to honor Italian-American Heritage Month. (pictured above)