Surrounded by the sights and sounds of Latin America, the students of Santa Monica High School celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with an assembly Monday featuring music, dance and speeches from local community leaders.
Organized by senior Lizbeth Lopez and various student groups on campus with the assistance of teacher Dr. Mireles Toumayan, Monday’s Hispanic Heritage presentation offered students an opportunity to listen to words of encouragement and thank those who’ve had an impact on their future.
Following a folklorico dance routine performed by senior student Alexa Medrano, retired teacher Daniel Escalera was the first guest speaker to grace the stage.
According to Escalera, Hispanic Heritage month is a time to recognize the beauty of all cultures and realize the importance of diversity.
“Latino Heritage Month is about honoring all of us,” Escalera said, adding, “whether you’re black or white or you’re from Spain, Europe or Africa — it doesn’t really matter.”
As he continued the presentation, Escalera touched on the history of the continent and eventually shared the story of his grandpa, who came to the United States as an immigrant and had a story that was similar to Sergeant Roberto Villegas’ family.
“My story is probably just like (Escalera’s) or most of you in this room,” Villegas said. “My parents came to this country with nothing but the clothes on their back. They came across the border illegally and they were able to work hard. They gave up and they sacrificed, and my father never showed me an obstacle in this life he couldn’t overcome. “
“You all have that uncle, that dad, that brother that can fix anything. That is Latinos. That is Latino heritage. That is what it means to me… So when the question came up about what barriers there are,” Villegas said, “there truly are none.”
“So I dare you to do what you want to do but I also dare you to give back,” Villegas said. “You need to give back and share your stories of where our families came from so others can see their story is no different,” and that they can make it too.
Prior to the sergeant’s time on stage, SAMOHI student Susana Nunez shared why Villegas’ stagemate — Dr. Toumayan — was a prime example of somebody who has given back.
“She’s done so many amazing things in her life,” including teaching seminars at Harvard in the summer, Nunez said, breaking into tears before she could finish her time on stage. “I’ve had her for two years and she is the most amazing woman I have ever met. She inspires me everyday and if you ever Ms. Toumayan, you’ll honestly be the luckiest person ever.”
After hearing these stories, it’s obvious that you can make a difference in the community, said SMMUSD board member Oscar De La Torre, “but the number one thing you have to do is believe in yourself.”
brennon@smdp.com
