Every September 15 through October 15, the United States observes Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to recognize the contributions, culture, and resilience of Hispanic and Latino communities. At Tenafly High School, where Hispanic students are a minority, the Spanish Club is leading the way in honoring this tradition while also starting a larger conversation about belonging, representation, and safety.
“This year is a lot different than the past. We strive to make the Hispanic community in Tenafly united and give them a sense of belonging by creating awareness of our culture,” Spanish Club president Cristina Goiria Gesteria (’27) said.
The Spanish Club will also be participating in fundraisers for immigrants who come to America seeking asylum and will help teach English classes to Hispanics who lack access to traditional classrooms. In addition to giving back to the community, the club will introduce a “Country of the Week” feature, highlighting a family every week on the club’s Instagram page. In doing so, the Spanish Club hopes to emphasize both the pride and challenges that come with being Hispanic in America today.
Beyond Tenafly, many Hispanics across the country face fear and uncertainty due to immigration enforcement, discrimination, and lack of representation. For some families, the presence of ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) has created an atmosphere of anxiety. Raids can take place at workplaces, homes, and even schools, tearing families apart and leaving children afraid that their loved ones might not come home. While not every Hispanic family is directly affected, the constant news of raids and detentions weighed heavily, making safety and belonging feel uncertain.
By raising awareness of these issues, the Spanish Club hopes to send a message of solidarity: that being Hispanic should never be a source of fear, but rather a source of pride. “Every student deserves to feel safe, welcomed, and valued,” Spanish Club secretary Ryan Liles (’27) said.
Club treasurer Sarah Soleil Villa (’27) added, “Even though we are a smaller group here, our voices connect to millions of Hispanics across the country. Celebrating together helps us stand against fear and reminds people that our culture is something to honor, not hide.”
This year’s efforts mark a noticeable shift in how Hispanic Heritage Month is recognized at the school. “The difference between other years is that… there is a lot more active participation from all club members,” club advisor Señora Lescano said. “A definite change is the club’s participation in the benefit of the community, like teaching in English classes and having a bigger celebration in Tenafly to recognize the presence of the Latino community in school.”
Even faculty have begun to take notice. English teacher Mr. Rosko has said, “From what I’ve seen and what the club has told me, I love that they have been expanding and raising awareness… I love it.”
