Click here to read the Glenbard News for Sept. 23, 2025
Across District 87, Latino student organizations are giving young people a space to celebrate culture, build leadership, and create meaningful connections. From Glenbard North’s O.L.A.S. to Glenbard East’s Unidos US, Glenbard South’s Latinos Unidos, and Glenbard West’s GLO, each club is helping students embrace their heritage while also welcoming classmates from all backgrounds to join in the celebration. Together, these groups highlight the importance of inclusivity, belonging, and the power of multicultural clubs to bring the community together.
At Glenbard North, the Organization for Latin American Students (O.L.A.S.) has become a vibrant and inclusive space for students to celebrate culture, community, and connection. Sponsored by Spanish teacher Yadira Perez and social studies teacher Neil Cruz, the club thrives on student-led ideas and activities such as dance, performances, and holiday celebrations. “Having a place where students feel like they belong and can connect with people and celebrate something—I think that is super important,” said Perez. “They feel like it’s a family.” For Cruz, the greatest impact of O.L.A.S. is seeing students grow in confidence: “By the time they are seniors, they’re leading decisions and creating something that is truly their own.”
At Glenbard East, Unidos US continues to expand each year under the leadership of Spanish and EL teacher Jocelyne Gonzalez and social worker Nereida Bolivar. The club hosts fundraisers, spirit week events, and performances that showcase Latin American traditions, including a memorable quinceañera waltz at Multicultural Night. “Our ultimate goal is to empower the students and help them see themselves in spaces where our families didn’t always reach,” Bolivar said. Gonzalez added, “It’s nice for the girls to bring out their quinceañera dress and show it to everyone because it’s so important to us.” Unidos is about more than just celebration—it’s about creating pride, connection, and confidence for students of all backgrounds.
At Glenbard South, Latinos Unidos has provided senior Ariana Saldana with a journey of growth and leadership since she joined as a freshman. “This club has really helped me develop as a Latina student because when I first got here, I wasn’t as proud to showcase my culture,” Saldana said. “Through this club I felt more comfortable, and I have a space here at school to be proud of my culture.” Club sponsor Rebecca Gauna praised Saldana’s leadership, noting her role in choreographing last year’s multicultural night dance. Today, Saldana says she has discovered her voice: “My culture is a part of me. It’s not something I should be embarrassed about but something that makes me stand out and unique. I have an immense love for my culture now.”
At Glenbard West, the Glenbard Latino Organization (GLO) recently held its first meetings of the year, led by Spanish teacher and EL building coordinator Andrea Contreras and staff member Lissette Ochoa. The group works closely with heritage classes to promote participation and create opportunities for students to embrace their dual identities. “We want the kids to feel safe and that they belong somewhere,” Contreras said. “It’s a space for them to embrace their identities.” For Hispanic Heritage Month, GLO students created papel picado, prepared aguas frescas, and will participate in the homecoming parade. “It feels special to work in a district that has prioritized culture,” Contreras added.
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