Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month at CNS

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, Cicero-North Syracuse High School hosted a series of engaging and educational activities that celebrated Hispanic culture and strengthened the school community’s appreciation for its rich contributions. The month-long celebration highlighted the achievements, traditions and influences of Hispanic and Latinx individuals. CNS Spanish Teacher Amy St. John recently shared the news that throughout the month, the hallways of CNS featured vibrant displays of informational posters spotlighting contributions from Hispanic and Latinx figures across a range of fields. She said, "These displays served not only as colorful additions to our space but also as valuable educational resources, enriching our community’s understanding of Hispanic Heritage Month and the diverse cultures it encompasses." The dynamic team of World Language teachers at CNS including Mary Murdoch, Gina Caccamo, Ivan Rodriguez and Amy St. John, organized a series of events to celebrate the month. One highlight was a Hispanic culture trivia game, where students tested their knowledge of Hispanic history, culture and notable figures. The friendly competition encouraged learning in an interactive and enjoyable way. Food also played a significant role in the celebration. Attendees enjoyed a food tasting event featuring traditional Mexican dishes from local restaurant Carmelita’s. From taquitos to salsa, participants enjoyed a flavorful sampling of Mexican cuisine, enhancing their appreciation for Hispanic culinary traditions.

Another key feature was an exhibition dedicated to the work of renowned Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. This experience provided exposure to her art and furthered students' understanding and appreciation of her artistic contributions. In addition to these events, a Zumba class invited students to experience Hispanic culture through music and movement, bringing them together in a lively, active celebration. The festivities concluded with a hands-on sugar skull-making activity, honoring Día de los Muertos traditions. This creative session allowed participants to explore the cultural significance of the holiday while crafting their own sugar skulls. The teachers shared their thoughts collectively saying, "As we reflect on the success of this month-long celebration, CNS remains committed to promoting cultural understanding and appreciation within our community. We look forward to continuing these efforts throughout the year."