The LOTE Department's heart is truly overflowing with gratitude for the spirit of togetherness you brought to our Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration. It wasn't just an event; it was a powerful night where the Excelencia Leadership Hispana spirit shone its brightest, reminding us of the strength of our united community and the brilliant accomplishments of our students.

This celebration was successful because of the dedication and love poured into it by so many.

To our incredible student leaders, the Spanish National Honor Society and Latinos Unidos, guided by Madame Gina Garcia, thank you for your tireless planning, decorating, and execution. Your passion brought this vision to life. Thank you also to our student ambassadors for welcoming our families with such patience and kindness; you are the shining light of Akins High School.

Thank you to Ms. Vanessa Marti for ensuring our brilliant poetry contest winners had their moment to shine. You gifted those students a beautiful, well-deserved memory.

And to the artists who filled our space with tradition and pride: Mrs. Sillero Guzmán, with our talented Akins Ballet Folklórico dancers, your grace moved us all. To Ms. Susana Díaz López and the mariachi students, your music touched everyone’s soul and filled the room with pure joy.

Our success rests on the unwavering encouragement of our staff. Thank you to every staff member who attended and stayed late, and to the LOTE Department teachers for your incredible dedication and teamwork. Thank you to our academy coordinators for your essential organizing support.

To our administration, thank you for your constant support and generous donations. A special acknowledgement goes to Ms. Carmen DeLeon for her passionate, steadfast belief in celebrating our cultural richness. Thank you, Ms. Connie Miralrio, for making sure our invitation reached every corner of the community, and to our wonderful office staff, especially Ms. Yuridia Ramírez, for the diligence, love, and constant support you provide behind the scenes.

A huge, heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Juan Martínez Esqueda! Your enthusiasm and leadership for Hispanic culture are inspiring, and your recognition this year was truly deserved.

Finally, to all the parents who came to cheer on their children and shared their delicious food, aguas frescas, and desserts, thank you for being present. Your presence is the loudest reminder to our students that their efforts matter most.

I am deeply grateful for the unity and love you all brought to this evening. I’ve attached pictures from the celebration, and I truly hope that if you missed it this year, you’ll plan to join our Familia next school year!

If you'd like to be a part of the Hispanic Heritage Celebration Committee, please reach out to me. We welcome you with open arms; together, we can make next year's event even more beautiful and united.