Palm Beach County Schools Honor Hispanic Heritage Month

Throughout the month, the School District of Palm Beach County honors the contributions of Hispanic and Latino students and staff to schools and the community. 

As part of that acknowledgement, a proclamation for Hispanic Heritage Month was on the agenda at the September 9 Special School Board Meeting. 

“Hispanic Heritage Month is a reminder of the sacrifices and resilience of immigrants from every nation who came here in search of a better future,” said Virginia Savietto, District 2 Palm Beach County School Board Member. “Their journeys inspire us to keep education at the heart of opportunity and to work together as one community to build stronger schools and brighter futures.”

This year’s theme for Hispanic Heritage Month is “Together, We Are More.” The theme emphasizes that heritage exists within all Hispanic countries. One way the District plays a role in maintaining that heritage is through Spanish Dual Language Program offerings that are now available in 35 schools (23 elementary, eight middle, and four high schools). Six of the schools are also certified as International Spanish Academies.

Various events and activities will take place throughout the County as part of Hispanic Heritage Month, including the Florida Hispanic American Chamber of Commerce’s annual Hispanic Heritage Awards Celebration on September 23. Each year, the FHACC recognizes a group of honorees in business, teaching, and academics. They will also recognize several Hispanic students and teachers from the District.

“Being proud of your Hispanic heritage is about honoring the people, traditions, and stories that shaped us,” said Julie Acevedo, Manager of the Office of Admissions & Family Experience. “I want our students to know that their culture is something to celebrate and never something to hide. Be proud of where they come from, embrace their story, and let it inspire where they are going.” 

The 30-day period of Hispanic Heritage Month includes important dates in the Hispanic community. Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua celebrate their anniversary of independence on September 15. Mexico commemorates its independence on September 16, and Chile’s independence day is September 18. The Month also includes the celebration of Columbus Day/Indigenous People’s Day or Día de la Raza.