By Natalia Arenas
The School District of Palm Beach County will be celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15 with a series of events to highlight the contributions of Hispanics to our nation and local community. Students, teachers, staff and community members are cordially invited to participate and to encourage others to join.
To start the commemorations, the District has partnered with the Palm Beach County Library System to participate in the Food Truck Fiesta and Viva Hispanic Culture with Mariachi Music that is taking place on Saturday, Sept. 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Main Library on Summit Blvd. Everyone is invited to sample delicious treats from a variety of local food trucks and enjoy traditional Mexican mariachi songs by Mariachi Pancho Villa.
Students from the International Spanish Academy at Okeeheelee Middle School will be accepting the Hispanic Heritage Month Proclamation at the School Board Meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 18 at 5 p.m.
The activities that are taking place for the students include an Essay Contest for 6th thru 12th graders asking them to develop an essay answering the question, in English or Spanish, Who is a Latino/Hispanic individual that has inspired you and why? ¿Qué persona latina/hispana te ha inspirado y por qué?
First place winner will receive $200, second place $100 and 3rd place $50. The due date is Oct. 3 at 5 p.m. The essay contest is sponsored by Comcast.
Additionally, a general celebration will take place at the Fulton Holland Educational Services Center on Tuesday, Oct. 15 from 12 to 1 p.m. featuring performances from various schools around the county.
To close the celebrations, essay winners will be awarded on Saturday, Oct. 19 from 2 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the PBC Okeechobee Library located at 5689 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach.
For a list of all the activities visit www.palmbeachschools.org/pao/Spanish/MesdelaHerenciaHispana.asp