College Publisher Test Site

The Sabor Latino Dancers were one of the several acts that performed during the Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration had September 29 on the proch of the Baldwin Library. Contirbuted [Click to enlarge]

ABAC held its first ever Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration Wednesday, Sept. 29, on the porch of the Baldwin Library. Hispanic Heritage Month began September 15 and lasts until October 15.

The program started at 2 p.m. and lasted until 5 p.m. There were many performances that included dancing and singing. Many of the performers were ABAC students and faculty. There was also free food, which consisted of traditional Latin-inspired foods such as tamales, tortilla chips, and salsa. There were also drinks, cake, and donuts.

The High School Equivalency Program (HEP), College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP), and the Baldwin Library sponsored the event.

"About six percent of the of the ABAC student population is Hispanic. This is the first time there has been a celebration here on campus and we would like to make it an annual event," said Javier Gonzalez, director of CAMP and HEP.

The Sabor Latino Dancers were the first to perform. The group of dancers consists of ABAC students: Director Angel Aguilar, Jr., Claudia Lopez, Guadalupe Sanchez, Carlos Varas, Maya Vazquez, Patty Lopez, Ernesto Ortiz, and Esthela Lopez. Alberto Santiago was the disc jockey throughout the event.

Following this performance there were drawings for a CD player, cordless telephone, and a bath set. Wal-Mart Supercenter provided these gifts. HEP students then gave a poetry presentation.

HEP students Claudia Monguia, Francisco Zepeda, Rosalba Recendez, and Carlos Ventura performed two songs entitled "El Jarabe Tapatio" and "El Son de la Negra."

There were additional drawings that included a George Foreman grill and tickets to Los Compadres.

Singer Francisco Agostini then performed a few songs. He was followed by the Energia Latina Dancers.

Angel Aguilar, Jr., ABAC student and member of the Sabor Latino Dancers, said, "This celebration opens up more opportunities for the Hispanic community to show their culture here in the United States."

"I think it's a great idea that this celebration was held here at ABAC since a good percentage of ABAC students are Hispanic," said Denice Villegas, ABAC student.

Additional sponsors of the celebration were La Rosa, Mexican Store and Taqueria, La Fiesta del Pueblo, Art Connections, Wal-Mart Supercenter, El Cazador Restaurant, Chick-Fil-A, Los Compadres, and La Cabana.

Article Tools