BLSU members Zoë J. ’26 and Kaëla K. ’26 led the Hispanic Heritage Month Assembly in Klingenstein Concert Hall during Morning Reports. This year’s national theme is ‘Collective Heritage: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future,’ which “reminds us that our stories, individual and shared, connect generations,” Zoe shared.

The event kicked off with an educational video followed by student trivia. Questions included “Why do we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month starting in mid-September?” and “The term ‘hispanic’ primarily relates to?”

Language Department Chair Gina Egan interviewed Housekeeping Manager Enrique Ignacio, along with his wife, Nahura, and their two children, who shared their experiences as Latin Americans, including distributing aid to impoverished communities in different countries. 

Felix Ortiz was welcomed to the stage from Baila Albany Dance Studios to teach students traditional Latin dance moves. After asking for a few volunteers to join him, dozens of students flooded the stage to participate. Felix shares, “I've been dancing [salsa] forever, and I think you can see that. I love the energy, and I thank you guys so much for participating.”

The Latin Heritage Month Festival was held the next day in Kellas Commons, featuring a lively dance lesson, delicious food, and fun games. 

Students decorated Kellas Commons and CulinArt provided delicious treats—including horchata, empanadas, and tres leches cake. Student Activities Coordinator Mariah Sanford-White also brought an assortment of snacks and jugos tropicales.

Felix continued his dance instruction to students and faculty, providing a more thorough lesson on salsa and bachata.

It was a fun and festive experience enjoyed by all—including Head of School Dr. Karen Lassey, Head of Institutional Equity and Inclusion Prince Botchway, and Interim Director of Advancement Karlyn Wilkins—who all joined in the dancing, shared laughs, and picked up some new dance moves.

Thank you to BLSU, Latine Affinity, and the office of DEI for an inspiring weekend of programming! For more photos, click here.