PCSD celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month on Friday, October 2, with its annual Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration at the C.L. Overturf, Jr. District Center. This year’s celebration centered on the theme “Unidos, Somos Más — Together, We Are More,” bringing students, staff, and community members together to celebrate Hispanic culture, traditions, music, and heritage.
The celebration began with a welcome from Donna Cummings, PCSD ELL Support Leader, followed by opening remarks from Laura France, PCSD Assistant Superintendent. Justin Campbell, PCSD Community Liaison, introduced keynote speaker Jamie Viera, Program Development & Training Specialist with NEFEC.
Music was an important part of this year's celebration, beginning with a special Jazz Ensemble performance featuring students from Palatka Jr.-Sr. High School, led by Eric Stuart, and Q.I. Roberts Jr.-Sr. High School, led by Randy Doo.
The celebration continued with a Mexican Dance performed by students from Crescent City Jr.-Sr. High School, followed by a Quinceañera Fashion Show featuring students from Palatka Jr.-Sr. High School and Crescent City Jr.-Sr. High School. These presentations highlighted the beauty, energy, and traditions of Hispanic culture.
Two Middleton-Burney Elementary School students, Xavier Segura and Isabella Chavez, also delighted the audience with The Iguana Dance, followed by a Hispanic Heritage Month Sing-Along featuring MBES students.
From music and dance to cultural traditions and student performances, the celebration provided an opportunity for students to share their heritage and for the entire PCSD community to learn from and celebrate one another.
The theme, “Unidos, Somos Más — Together, We Are More,” captured the spirit of the morning: when we come together to recognize and celebrate the cultures that make up our community, we are stronger together.
The event concluded with remarks from the Hispanic Heritage Month event planning committee, followed by a community lunch provided by the PCSD Food Service Team.
PCSD extends a special thank you to the local businesses and community members who generously donated and supported this year's celebration: Tacos Mi Casita, Palmeras, Yuki Aleman, Salsas, LaHacienda, Artemisa Montes, Tienda de Maria, and Delfina Montes-Muchow.
The annual Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration is a meaningful opportunity for PCSD to recognize the traditions, contributions, and cultures represented throughout our schools and community, while giving our students a chance to take center stage and share their talents.
Unidos, somos más. Together, we are more. 💚💙
#ProudtobePCSD
See more pictures from the event here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1SrGaVfhz5ir1zxImCNJu-24RipNbs0Mr?usp=sharing
