Bilingual students gather for Hispanic heritage event

By Lori Menning

Students and families participated in the Junta Latina gathering at New London High School on Oct. 5.

The New London School District of held its annual District Bilingual Program Gathering, commonly referred to in Spanish as Junta Latina, on Oct. 5.

The gathering offered the bilingual students and their families the opportunity to share their culture with teachers, administrators and other families in the community.

The Bilingual Department organized the event, and it was held during Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15.

Event highlights included displays of student work completed in their bilingual classes, an activity table led by Culture Club members, a potluck style dinner and a piñata, which is a highlight of most celebrations in Mexico. New London High School Culture Club members took on leadership roles during the event.

“Everyone was responsible for a duty, and after school I helped with setting up the event. Also, I carried on the tradition my brother started when he was in school, which was helping with the piñata,” junior Marco Lopez said.

Lori Menning is the bilingual coordinator for the New London School District.