Amidst Hispanic Heritage Month, the UNIDAD group held its annual assembly on October 5th, where it shared the traditions and history of Hispanic culture with the high school. The goal of the UNIDAD DEIB group is to create a supportive, inclusive space for celebrating Latin American heritage within the community.
Hispanic Heritage Month holds particular significance for UNIDAD, serving as a period to celebrate the diverse cultures, stories, and experiences that define the Latinx community in the United States. Group Leader Mila Taendler (who also wrote this piece), explains how “by commemorating the heritage, we allow ourselves to honor the struggles and achievements of past generations that led to their significant contributions to the community.”
This year, UNIDAD focused on preparing for an assembly aimed at educating the community about Hispanic Heritage Month. The assembly highlighted the importance of this month, the electoral processes in Latin American countries, and various regional traditions. To enhance engagement, UNIDAD invited the Caracas Trio to perform, a trio that plays Venezuelan music, adding an engaging element to the event.
The assembly received positive feedback from the Poly Prep community. Freshman Stella Taendler shared, “I learned so much about Spanish heritage from the UNIDAD assembly. I thought it was very interesting how voting in South America works and the importance of Latin American traditions.”
UNIDAD is also an opportunity for students to get involved with DEIB programming at Poly and further connect to their background. For example, UNIDAD has been a cornerstone of Co-Leader and senior Mia Pineda’s high school career. “Moving up from a member to a leader is a very special experience. I have always felt so seen by my fellow UNIDAD peers, but being able to give back is just as important.” Pineda’s admiration for the group is shared amongst all participants. “We really have a small family within UNIDAD,” added Pineda.
Looking ahead, UNIDAD plans to continue educating the community throughout the year. The group has scheduled guest speakers, activities, Latin American cuisine, and discussions to further cultural understanding and engagement within the school community.
