This week Cristo Rey students in grades 10-12 showcased our second annual Tour de la Plaza event in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. Tour de la Plaza is an exhibition in which students present their projects in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. During the Tour de La Plaza, the school community is invited and encouraged to ask questions as a way to learn more about the histories and cultures of Spanish-speaking countries.
The theme of this year’s project reflects National Hispanic Heritage Month’s theme of “Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation.” Students were asked to choose a Spanish-speaking country and to highlight that country’s pride by identifying cultural aspects the country is proud of and presenting that to the school community.
The event takes place during the school day, so that students, faculty, and staff can attend. During the Tour de La Plaza, the school community is invited and encouraged to ask questions as a way to learn more about the histories, cultures, and traditions of Spanish-speaking countries.
“Heritage Months are usually celebratory, so the idea is that Tour de la Plaza is meant to give students the chance to educate the entire Cristo Rey community” says Chair of the Spanish Department, Mrs. Alyson Pagano. Feedback and engagement from the school community has been overwhelmingly positive. “Faculty and staff have said they really enjoy seeing students share their knowledge, and at the same time it’s also a really nice way to empower our students to be educators and student leaders,” says Mrs. Pagano.
Hispanic Heritage Month 2022 is only 2 weeks in, but the Cristo Rey Spanish department already has exciting ideas for next year’s Tour de la Plaza event. One possible idea is to include more active and interactive elements into student presentations. At last year’s Tour de la Plaza, attendees had a chance to experience a variety of food items provided by students as part of their presentations.
Visit our Instagram at @cristoreybalt to see photos of this year’s Tour de la Plaza and other events happening at Cristo Rey.
