by Moira Cullings
moira.cullings@theleaven.org
OVERLAND PARK — Dancers representing multiple Hispanic cultures dazzled the students and faculty at Holy Cross School here on Oct. 11.
If the cheers that erupted at the finale were any indication of their enjoyment, the spectators were thrilled by the performances.
“I love these dances,” said third grade teacher Maria Parn. “We have had the opportunity to see a couple in previous years, but this year was incredible.
“We are so lucky to have students and families that share their time and talent with us.”
A handful of Holy Cross students and families were part of the performances, which were of Honduran, Mexican and Peruvian influence.
The dances were incorporated into an assembly for Hispanic Heritage Month.
The month is observed nationally from Sept. 15-Oct. 15 and celebrates the contributions and cultures of American citizens with Hispanic heritage.
Principal Dr. Paola Clark said the celebration aligns with the values of Holy Cross.
“We celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month to honor the immeasurable cultural contributions and historical impact of the Hispanic and Latino communities in the United States and beyond,” she said.
“Importantly, we are proud to recognize and celebrate the many contributions, rich culture and vibrant history of Holy Cross’ Hispanic [and] Latino families,” she added.
Clark said approximately 51% of Holy Cross students are Hispanic or Latino, and their families hail from more than 23 countries.
She was eager to create an environment where they could celebrate their heritage.
The afternoon of the assembly included a visit from honors Spanish students from St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Overland Park, who gave a presentation on “Día de los Muertos” (“Day of the Dead”).
The group was led by Aquinas’ Spanish department head Lisa Stoecklein.
As part of Hispanic Heritage Month, Holy Cross art teacher Kourtney Greer worked with students to create Huichol artwork that lined the hallway outside the gym.
On Oct. 15, the school held a rosary coordinated by seventh grade language arts teacher Amy Sells and led by its bilingual middle schoolers.
Science coordinator Angela Kopp, who with Parn and other faculty members helped plan the assembly, was excited about all the ways the school was celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month.
“We’ve got so many great and different cultures at Holy Cross that we want to highlight,” she said, “and we also want to celebrate all of the differences by bringing them together.”
Kopp said it’s important for students to learn about the many cultures that make up their school community, which is similar to the wider country.
“We’re a blending of all these different cultures,” she said, “and coming together, you get the best of everything.”
School counselor Marian Petri, who was also on the planning committee, was thrilled about the assembly and all the activities happening around the school.
“I’m just so excited to see all our worlds collide collectively, pre-K to high school — all people having a chance to showcase talent, build knowledge and character, gaining a deeper appreciation for diversity with God’s love always as the center point,” she said.
Clark hoped the month helped “students feel connected and proud of their own heritage,” and that they learned “how to be open to different perspectives, values and traditions.”
“Importantly,” she continued, “we hope students recognize our common humanity and shared responsibility to use our God-given unique gifts and talents to serve others and make the world a better place for all.”
To learn more about Holy Cross, visit the website at: holycrosscatholicschool.com.
