On October 14, one day before the end of Hispanic Heritage Month, the halls of Orange High School were filled with students, parents, and teachers for the fourth annual “Empowering” Hispanic cultural celebration, organized by the Orange County School District in collaboration with the county government.
Art projects, crafts, Hispanic soccer team jerseys, and even a Day of the Dead altar were displayed on the tables, while students played bingo and toured the exhibits with their parents.
The teachers, meanwhile, proudly observed their students’ work. Among them were Sarah Woody and Robyn Musser, first-grade teachers at Grady Brown Elementary School, standing in front of a large mural painted by their six-year-old students.
Created in collaboration with the school’s art teacher, Woody says the mural was inspired by the work of Mexican-American artist Rafael López and the community murals he created in San Diego.
“Part of our curriculum involves reading a book about the artist Rafael López and the beautiful murals he created in San Diego to unite the community,” Woody told Enlace Latino NC. The lesson inspired his students to create the mural behind him, a work that represents their own community.
This was one of many projects presented that afternoon, showcasing how Orange County teachers are incorporating Hispanic heritage into their classrooms. The activities spanned various subjects and grade levels, aiming to connect learning with students’ experiences and knowledge.
Beyond elementary school grades
Cultural integration also extends to science classes. Andromeda Crowell, a tenth-grade biology teacher at Orange High School, sought to connect the state curriculum with her students’ experiences.
