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Celebrating, Honoring Their Heritage

Tribune photo by JOHN CEBALLOS

Lennard High School hosted the first of two Hispanic Heritage celebrations Oct. 15 in the school's cafeteria. The evening featured dancing and vocal performances, such as students performing the song De Colores. From left are teacher Myriam Santiago-Esfahani, Oscar Ramos, Marya Noriega, Ivanyris Perez, Erik Arroyo, Andrea Linares and Mayra Chileno.

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By JOHN CEBALLOS

jceballos@tampatrib.com

Published: October 21, 2008

Updated:

RUSKIN - About a dozen Latin American countries were recognized last week with colorful displays, flavorful food and thumping music during Lennard High School's annual celebration of Hispanic culture.

More than 100 Longhorn students and their families attended the first of two Hispanic Heritage Celebrations at 7 p.m. Oct. 15 in the school's cafeteria. The school hosted a second music and dance program the next day from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.

The shows were a way to wrap up National Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated between Sept. 15 and Oct. 15. The anniversary of independence for several Latin American countries, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala and Nicaragua, is Sept. 15.

The school's celebration was a way to showcase the student body's abilities.

"These kids aren't pros, so if you see any mistake, please ignore it," said Niza Montero, Spanish teacher and sponsor for the school's dance club, at the start of the show. "The students have been working very hard."

The show began with a video presentation about notable Hispanics in sports, music and the arts.

That was followed by several dance demonstrations highlighting different Latin-American styles, like reggaeton, bachata, cumbia and merengue.

The show also featured several vocal performances, including senior Ivanyris Perez's rendition of the song "Preciosa."

After the music showcase ended, audience members were invited to peruse the student-prepared exhibitions on display and sample the food, some of which was prepared by the school's home economics class.

Myriam Santiago-Esfahani is another Spanish teacher at the school and joined several of her students for a performance of the song "De Colores."

"We have a lot of really talented kids at the school," Santiago-Esfahani said. "This is a way for them to show that and honor their culture at the same time,"

Reporter John Ceballos can be reached at (813) 865-1555.

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