September 15, 2023 - October 15, 2023 Hispanic Heritage Month  and Lake Oconee Academy (LOA) celebrated with a night dedicated to exploring the delicacies and culture of various spanish speaking countries around the world.  

Students, parents, staff, and more were invited to attend the Inaugural LOA Hispanic Heritage Night to get a taste of authentic Hispanic food as well as explore the many different cultures within the Hispanic and Latino communities.

“Lake Oconee Academy has a very diverse student body. The Hispanic/Latino community has roots from many countries,” says Spanish teacher, Mrs. Lizette Delgado. “I wanted my students to learn the significant contributions the Hispanic/Latino Americans have made in the United States.” Delgado’s enthusiasm led to a night of celebration that proved to be even more of a success than expected. Mrs. Delgado enlisted the help of Mrs. Tabitha Mancil, LOA teacher, who quickly began rallying the help of the Hispanic parent body to bring this event together.

The enthusiasm and pride shined bright! Hispanic parents and students from LOA’s Parent Teacher Committee shared their countries, culture, and roots through food, dance and authentic crafts. Families represented the countries of Mexico, Peru, Columbia, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Ecuador, Panama, and Guatemala. Participating families decorated with flags, banners, tablecloths, and more - giving attendees an experience to be remembered.

Hispanic Heritage Month was incorporated into the classroom, as well. English Speaking of  Other Languages (ESOL) teacher,  Mrs. Shannon Hooks planned lessons throughout the month, teaching students about influential people, art, and stories of Hispanic culture. Several elementary students created a collaborative project, and kindergarten students made individual art pieces to contribute to the night of celebration.

Dr. Beverly Montgomery, LOA Upper School Director, shared her delight for the event, “I was thrilled when Mrs. Delgado informed me that the Hispanic/Latino members of our Titan Family wanted to host an event where we could celebrate and taste different cultures represented in our school and fellowship with our families, faculty and staff.  The food was outstanding, and the company was even better!"

Hispanic/Latino parents, teachers, and students alike beamed with pride and excitement as they shared their wonderful culture with others while attendees relished in the amazing food and culture. “If you missed this event, you missed out on some delicious food, an amazing sense of community and some of the most gracious hospitality I have ever seen at any school,” expressed LOA teacher, Mr. Eric Harper.

The success and excitement of this first ever Hispanic Heritage Night has only reinforced the hard work that went into planning the event. What started as an idea Mrs. Delgado had been dreaming of  became an event that will “no doubt be bigger and better next year!” Hispanic Heritage Night will now be celebrated as an annual event during Hispanic Heritage Month at Lake Oconee Academy for years to come.