The DeSoto Independent School District is enriched by its diversity and grateful for opportunities to highlight the cultures of its school community. From September 15 -October 15, DeSoto ISD is united with the nation to celebrate the achievements, histories, traditions, diversity, and vibrant culture of Hispanic and Latino Americans.
The 2024 theme for this national month-long celebration is "Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together” and celebrates those who paved the way for future generations to be able to enact change, and encompasses the spirit of innovation, resilience, and unity that define the Hispanic experience.
During this time of celebration, DeSoto ISD students and the school community will provide opportunities for students and their families to engage, learn, inform, and celebrate through classroom learning and campus events, contests, and more.
Specifically, students will participate in Literary and Art Competitions centered around this month of cultural awareness. Students in all grade levels are welcome to participate in each contest.
The DeSoto ISD Hispanic Heritage Month Student Literary Essay Contest asks students to electronically submit a 300-500 words original essay by the deadline of October 3 that answers the writing prompt: How has Hispanic heritage influenced your community and America? A total of two students will be selected as district winners for the literary contest, one for the primary division and one for the secondary division.
The DeSoto ISD Hispanic Heritage Month Student Art Contest asks DeSoto ISD students to visually display their perspective of the question, What does Hispanic Heritage and Culture mean to us?, and to electronically submit their artwork by October 11. Only one student will be selected as the overall district winner for the Art contest.
At the start of the month, the campus staff participated in bulletin board contests and a front office decorating challenge to help share the importance and impact of this cultural celebration to the campus community.
The Origins of the Hispanic Heritage Cultural Celebration in the United States
The Hispanic Heritage observance began as a week-long celebration in 1968 under the administration of the late U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson. The week evolved into a month under the late U.S. President Ronald Reagan in 1988 as the population of Hispanic and Latin Americans increased in the United States.
Do You Know: Why Does the United States Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month Across Two Months?
The celebration dates are not just happenstance but are chosen to commemorate a set of specific dates and observances of the Hispanic and Latin Culture in America. The observance of National Hispanic Heritage Month specifically highlights Americans who immigrated from nations of Mexico, Spain, the Caribbean, and South, and Central America.
- September 15 is the independence anniversary of Latin American countries El Salvador, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Honduras.
- September 16 is Mexican Independence Day.
- September 18 is Chile's Independence Day.
- October 12 is Dia de la Raza or Columbus Day.
The DeSoto ISD school community is encouraged to partake in this month of cultural observation, education and celebration. Several campuses are hosting events and programs specific to Hispanic Heritage Month. Please contact the campus for dates and times.