You didn’t need an announcement to know National Hispanic Heritage Month was coming to a close Oct. 15.
The aroma of pernil, empanadas and pastelón drifting down the first-floor hallway of Lorain High School said it all.
The High School capped off a month of learning and celebration with a staff luncheon that felt more like a family reunion than a workplace potluck.
Dressed in traditional attire and cultural T-shirts, teachers and staff shared their favorite dishes — and their stories.
Gladys Navarro brought taco soup, a nontraditional Puerto Rican favorite her family loves.
Naomi Loera served sandwiches de mezcla, a savory blend of Spam, cheese and pimento peppers that’s a staple at Puerto Rican gatherings.
And, Mildred Figueroa’s husband took charge of the pernil, insisting he had to “get the spices just right.”
“It’s nice sharing with everybody else because we’re really celebrating people, not just Hispanics,” Navarro said. “And we like that. We love people.”
Loera agreed, adding that this year’s celebration “was the best we’ve had.”
“We took information, we shared it, and we just wanted other people to embrace our culture,” she said.
Not to be outdone by the staff luncheon, Aramark’s lunch menus joined the celebration this month.
The district’s food service provider, featured Arroz con Pollo — a Puerto Rican favorite of chicken and rice simmered in Sazón spices — created by Aramark Chef Alicia Rivera.
The student reviews were so positive that the dish is being added to the regular menu.
Across Lorain City Schools, the spirit of pride and discovery ran deep.
At Larkmoor Elementary, fourth-graders researched Hispanic countries, designed flags and filled their classrooms with music from across Latin America.
At Stevan Dohanos Elementary, colorful hallway displays and cultural activities helped students celebrate their classmates’ heritage in authentic ways.
At Washington Elementary, students were treated to a lively performance by the Bomba Dance Group and learned traditional cultural games.
“We discovered that a few rounds of Mexican Bingo and the vibrant moves of a Puerto Rican dance group did more than just entertain — they became powerful tools for helping students build a stronger identity and a real-world connection to their heritage,” said Washington Elementary Principal Jessica Dugan.
For Waleska Soto, the district’s intercultural communications coordinator, the month represented the best of Lorain.
“It was inspiring to see how every building found its own way to celebrate,” Soto said. “Our Hispanic and Latino community deserves to be seen, heard and valued.
“This month showed that others across the district truly believe that, too.”
Soto, who helped coordinate high school events alongside a team of staff and students, said the work isn’t done.
The committee is already planning next year’s celebration and hopes to include more entertainment and family participation through a possible evening event.
With more than 40% of Lorain families identifying as Hispanic or Latino, these moments weren’t just about awareness — they were about belonging.
