Hispanic Heritage Month runs from September 15 to October 15. It is a celebration to honor many cultures, histories, and traditions from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. This month began on September 15 which marks the anniversary of independence for five nations: El Salvador, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, and Guatemala. Hispanic Heritage Month was established into a month-long celebration by Congress, since it originally used to be a week long. Over the years, this month has grown in importance to recognize the contributions Hispanics have made. People of Hispanic and Latino heritage have helped shape the U.S. in numerous ways like through science, art, politics, sports, business, and many more. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor was actually the first Hispanic woman to serve as an American Associate of Justice in the Supreme Court, and is recognized for her work on civil liberties and the Affordable Care Act. Along with that, this month is to honor those who have faced the struggles of discrimination, labor struggles, and political oppression. At PGHS, teachers do a great job at giving Hispanic Heritage Month the credit it deserves. In Señora Brutzman’s class, she picks a country to focus on and discusses how they gained independence, their traditions, and more. She also holds a Spanish Club which truly dives deep into different cultures! 

Overall, Hispanic Heritage Month is not all about celebrations and festivities, it is also a time to be educated, honor those who have faced hardships, and for many to appreciate their diverse roots.