Central Catholic Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

Alumna Elaina Hernandez ’98 (3rd from Left) is the director of El Corazon de Mexico, a group that features over 60 dancers ranging in age from 6 to 39. 

Central Catholic held its first-ever Hispanic Heritage Assembly on October 9 in Krompak Hall.  The idea for this assembly came about when a group of CCHS students approached Assistant Principal for Academics, Andrea Biederman, with the desire to celebrate and recognize the rich cultures and traditions represented within our school community.  

“At Central Catholic, we value the stories, backgrounds, and experiences of all people, and this celebration is one way we continue to live out that mission,” Andrea explained. “Looking ahead, our goal is to expand this into a larger annual event featuring local alumni and community members on a discussion panel, along with a keynote speaker who can share insights about Hispanic culture, heritage, and the growing influence of Hispanic communities across Northwest Ohio.”

The assembly began with an introduction by Carol Reyes, the administrative assistant and registrar in Central Catholic’s guidance department.  She spoke about her experience growing up with Spanish-speaking relatives and the importance of honoring our cultures.  Spanish teacher Maria MacDonald, who grew up in Ecuador, spoke about roots, resilience, community, and sharing pride in her culture. 

Senior Anthony Villarreal, who spearheaded the students' efforts to organize the assembly, introduced Elaina Hernandez ’98, director of El Corazon de Mexico.  Elaina attended the event to lead a performance by the folk dancing group.  Founded in 1996, El Corazon de Mexico is dedicated to educating audiences about the history and culture of Mexico through traditional dance.  The group, whose name translates to "The Heart of Mexico," features over 60 dancers ranging in age from 6 to 39.  They regularly perform at festivals, cultural celebrations, weddings, civic and religious events, and other community gatherings.

Elaina is a 39-year veteran of Mexican folkloric dance.  She has been directing and choreographing for over 30 years and is recognized as a Master Artist by the Ohio Arts Council.  She is also a certified American Ballroom and Latin dance instructor and ZIN Zumba and Zumba Kids instructor.  She currently works as the program director at the Believe Center in Toledo.  

Elaina joined El Corazon De Mexico as a dancer when she was a sophomore at Central Catholic.  “It’s always exciting to come back home,” she said.  “To be part of this assembly now as the director of the group and to share in this experience is wonderful.  I hope it inspires the students to do something they are proud of.”

Three Central Catholic students - senior Mia Hurtado, junior Mayte Padilla, and freshman Guadalupe (Lupe) Padilla - are dancers with El Corazon De Mexico.  They performed some traditional dances that represent different Mexican states.

“Being in the dance group has really opened my eyes to my culture, and I’ve made a lot of friends,” said Lupe Padilla.  “I joined the group in 2018 with a friend, and it’s really helped me appreciate my culture,” agreed Mia Hurtado.  “My parents are both from Mexico, and being in the group was the closest I could get to experiencing their culture until we were able to visit last year.”

After the dancers performed, the students were invited to the floor to join in a spirited group dance.  “My friends and I have been to a lot of quinceañeras and we enjoy celebrating our culture and have a lot of fun dancing,” said Villarreal.  “I’ve been wanting to share this for several years, and with this being my senior year, I really wanted to make it happen.  It’s great for others to see what we enjoy about our culture.”

Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated each year from September 15 to October 15.  It began as a week-long celebration in 1968 under President Johnson and was expanded to a month by President Reagan in 1988.  The month-long celebration provides more time to properly recognize the significant contributions Hispanic/Latino Americans have made in the United States.

Hispanic Heritage Month does not cover one single month, but instead begins in the middle of September and ends in the middle of October.  The timeframe of this month is significant because many Central American countries celebrate their independence days within these dates, beginning on September 15 with Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua.  By aligning with these independence dates, Hispanic Heritage Month honors the resilience and determination of the Hispanic community.

Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the unique voices and experiences of Hispanic/Latino Americans and recognize their history, journeys, and achievements.  The month also provides opportunities to showcase the cultural influences the Latino community has had on the United States.  From entertainment and sports to business and science, Latinas and Latinos enrich our society.  Through these celebrations, we can all help to inspire younger generations and bring communities together.