A Look Back at Our Hispanic Heritage Month Celebrations

Our Lower and Middle School students welcomed Mazarte, an artistic organization dedicated to exploring the history, roots, and cultural traditions of Indigenous and Mexican communities through dance. Through vibrant costumes, music, movement, and storytelling, Mazarte offered an engaging introduction to the history and artistry behind the performances. It was a nice opportunity to experience a different form of storytelling and celebrate the richness of Hispanic heritage.

 

In the Upper School, Angie Castro ’27 and Candace Thorpe ’27 organized and choreographed a special quinceañera dance, featuring students who had celebrated their own quinceañeras performing in their dresses. As the dancers processed into the performance, they carried the flags representing their respective heritages. Angie also shared an important message with her classmates: having a quinceañera is not a requirement for being proud of your Hispanic heritage, nor does not having one make you any less Hispanic.

 

The Upper School celebration also included a presentation led by attorney and former Lacordaire parent Kiera LoBreglio P’26, who spoke with students about current developments involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Ms. LoBreglio currently serves as Director, Immigrant & Refugee Services for Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Newark. The discussion explored the connection between Hispanic identity and the broader conversation around immigration in the United States, including the observation that Hispanic people have increasingly become the public face of immigration in this country. Students learned about current ICE enforcement practices and discussed the rights individuals have when interacting with immigration authorities, as well as ways to help someone who may be in a difficult situation.

The day wrapped up with food, music, and time for students to enjoy one another's company and celebrate the many different Hispanic cultures represented in our school community.

 

While not part of Hispanic Heritage Month itself, we would also like to recognize Mr. Abrego and Ms. Alexander for organizing this year's Día de los Muertos altar in the main lobby of Lacordaire Hall.

 

Students, families, and faculty were invited to contribute photographs of loved ones who have passed away, including beloved pets, to be included in the display. Día de los Muertos is a time to remember and honor those who have gone before us, and the altar offered our community a way to share those memories. As a Catholic community, we also take this opportunity to pray for the souls of our loved ones who have departed before us.