LT hosted its fifth annual Hispanic Heritage event, Nuestra Historia, on Oct. 3. This gathering, organized and planned by Director of Equity and Belonging Jennifer Rowe, consisted of 16 different shows across both campuses.

“We are so fortunate to have so many amazing traditions here at LT, and Nuestra Historia is a celebration that helps to bring our school community together with a focus on the culture and contributions of Hispanic Americans,” Rowe said. “This program has been a way to bring together so many members of this community to celebrate and to learn from each other.”

Nuestra Historia wouldn’t be possible without the many different clubs, sponsors, and people who contributed to this special day, Rowe said. One of whom was Bilingual Coordinator Julie Jacobo.

“I think it’s really important for LT to have events like Nuestra Historia because they create spaces where students can truly see themselves represented, and at the same time give students the chance to learn about the richness and diversity within the Latine community,” Jacobo said.

Eight different programs were showcased on the day of the event. Nuestra Historia consisted of a painter named Jaqui Arte, a theater company named Raíces to Roots, an all-female Mariachi group called Las Mariachis Sirenas, Mexican singer and songwriter Rosalba Valdez, and Ximena N. Beltran Quan Kiu, a Mexican-Chinese immigrant and journalist. 

Student performances from the LT community were also featured, including those from the clubs Lyons Latin Dancers and Bailando con Todos. Alexis Robles 26’, a member of the Hispanic dance club, Bailando con Todos, participated in these performances. 

“[Nuestra Historia] allows us to share our culture and passion for dance with others. It helps bring our school community together by celebrating diversity and teamwork through movement and music,” Robles said. “I feel very proud and honored to have been able to participate on behalf of the Hispanic Community in LT.”

Being proud of who you are and where you come from is very important, Quan Kiu, a 2005 LT graduate said. Her ethnicity shapes the way she views life and helps mold her stories. 

“There is something so profoundly beautiful about being in touch with your culture,” Quan Kiu said. “I could have been ashamed of [my heritage], but I chose to go the other way.” 

Multiple students helped contribute to this event, many of Hispanic descent. Before the performers came on stage, emcees such as Paula Calderon 27’ would introduce and explain that period’s showcasing. 

“I feel like we don’t really get to see many different cultures in our day-to-day life when it comes to actually being able to understand and celebrate them,” Calderon said. “[Nuestra Historia] is different because we get to really honor our heritage and learn about our differences.”

Nuestra Historia brings together not just members of the Hispanic community, but all of LT.

“I love seeing our students, teachers, and community get excited about celebrating together and look forward to the program offerings,” Rowe said. “We love seeing our student performances and also seeing students celebrate the gifts and talents of their peers.”