St. Joseph High School Spanish teacher Carina Martinez helped organize the school’s first Hispanic Heritage Night Oct. 3. It was offered to students, parents and parishioners in Conway as an extension of Hispanic Heritage Month, which is set each year for Sept. 15 through Oct. 15.
Martinez’s 43 students immersed themselves in the history and traditions of 21 Spanish-speaking countries and some of the stories behind Hispanic people who have made a difference in the United States. This year’s theme was “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together.” Food, music and project displays highlighted the evening. Parishioners and members of the school community prepared and served Mexican, Columbian, Italian and Salvadoran food. Mexican desserts were also made by the locally-owned Las Delicias ice cream shop. Mariachi Arrieros de AR from Little Rock entertained with an ensemble of musicians who played ranchera, the regional Mexican music. Some students also performed Spanish songs.