On October 8, Lake Oconee Academy (LOA) hosted its second annual Hispanic Heritage Night, honoring the rich traditions and vibrant history of Hispanic and Latino cultures. Taking place during National Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15 to October 15, the event highlighted the school’s commitment to celebrating its diverse community. 

"Our Hispanic families take pride in their culture and radiate as they share it with others," said Shannon Hooks, LOA’s English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) teacher. "This celebration brought together friends and family within our LOA community to experience unique cultural foods, a traditional dance performance, and meaningful connections."

Lake Oconee Academy remains dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where every student feels represented and valued, making events like Hispanic Heritage Night an essential part of its mission to build a connected and supportive community. 

Inspired by the vibrant Hispanic and Latino communities, LOA Spanish teacher - Lizette Delgado, ESOL teacher - Shannon Hooks, and Inclusion teacher - Tabitha Mancill, led this culturally enriching celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. This event honored the rich heritage of Hispanic and Latino countries worldwide and extended beyond the October 8th gathering, bringing the celebration into classrooms throughout the month.

The Art Department paid tribute to Hispanic and Latino culture across all grade levels, showcasing an array of art spanning from sculptures and pastels to photography. Families from the Hispanic and Latino community shared a variety of delicious, authentic dishes, adding a flavorful touch to the festivities. The event also featured an inspiring performance by Tonalli, a Mexican folkloric dance group from Athens, Georgia, captivating participants with traditional dance and music.

“The Hispanic/Latino community at LOA has roots from many countries,” says Delgado. These roots were represented amongst the various tables that filled the Lower School Cafeteria from the countries of Mexico, Peru, Columbia, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Ecuador, Panama and Guatemala.  The rich culture was most certainly on full display. This event has undoubtedly become one of the most highly anticipated cultural events at LOA.