Click here to read the Glenbard News for September 30, 2025
It’s Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15–Oct. 15), and our Glenbard high schools are recognizing and celebrating our Hispanic and Latinx communities with a variety of events and activities at our buildings. This is a chance for students to learn, share, and take pride in the rich diversity that shapes our school communities.
At Glenbard East, the Unidos US club opened the month by decorating the hallway display case near the main office on the second floor. Each Monday during the recognition month, students create and announce Hispanic heritage facts and trivia over the building public address system between first and second period. The school TV displays also include a rotation of Hispanic Heritage Spotlights during the month, featuring East staff, students and important Hispanic figures.
Hispanic Heritage Spirit Week at East will take place October 6-10. All students and staff are invited to take part in themed dress-up days. These themes include Wear Your Flag Day, Jersey Day, Culture Day, Celebrity Day and Western Day. Unidos US will also be hosting a churro sale on the morning of October 8 and 9 as a fundraiser for the club.
The East library is providing additional activities as well, starting the recognition month with papel picado crafts – a traditional Mexican craft featuring colorful tissue paper sheets with intricate cut-out details. On October 10th, the library will also be hosting Loteria, which is a Mexican card game that plays similar to bingo using images instead of numbers across a deck of 54 illustrated cards.
“Hispanic Heritage Month provides us with an opportunity to recognize the countless contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities that have shaped our history, enriched our culture, and strengthened our nation,” said school counselor and equity liaison Lizette Ramirez. “Celebrating Hispanic heritage invites us to reflect on the importance of embracing all cultures. Cesar Chavez once noted, ‘Preservation of one’s own culture does not require contempt or disrespect for other cultures.’ In celebrating diversity, we not only uplift individual traditions but also create space for unity and understanding. By recognizing the richness of Hispanic heritage and the value of all cultural identities, we continue to build communities that honor dignity, respect, and shared growth.”
Glenbard North kicked off the recognition month with Hispanic Heritage Spirit Week from Sept. 15-19. The week’s activities began with Loteria Day as students and staff wore their class colors. This was followed by Sports Jersey Day on the 16th, which also featured a special Staff vs. Students soccer game at halftime of the boys varsity soccer game that evening. That contest ended in a 1-1 tie, as fans enjoyed a taco truck and elote cart at the game.
Spirit week also included Wear Your College Gear Day, Western Day (western attire), and Orgullo (Pride) Day. Throughout that week, Hispanic Heritage Month t-shirts were sold during lunch periods and at varsity games.
On Sept. 26, the Organization for Latin American Students (O.L.A.S.) hosted a HHM picnic during lunch periods. The festive event featured paletas (frozen treat made from fresh fruits and cream), chips and Valentina hot sauce, games and music at Panther Court.
Glenbard North will conclude their HHM activities with a Taco ‘Bout Culture lunch line on Oct. 10. The lunch options will feature chicken and vegetable fajitas, tacos, nachos, and rice and beans.
“Recognition months like Hispanic Heritage Month help students feel seen, valued and proud of who they are,” said dean of students and equity coordinator Labrina Bone. “When we celebrate the cultures and stories of our students, it sends a powerful message: you matter, your history matters, and your voice belongs here. It also opens the door for real conversations, deeper understanding and stronger connections across our school community. It’s not just about celebration, it’s about belonging.”
Glenbard South is creating a vibrant and educational atmosphere throughout the building during Hispanic Heritage Month. Cultural music from various nations has been played during passing periods, and the Raiders Supporting Raiders message board showcases the accomplishments of influential Hispanic and Latinx leaders. Hallway TV/monitor displays are featuring staff spotlights, detailing how their culture has shaped them and who has made an impact on their lives.
South’s Latinos Unidos club plays a pivotal role. The students hosted a Loteria Day on Sept. 25 and have decorated the Raider Spirit Wall. Additional decorations around the building will occur after Homecoming Week. They also did a “Welcome Wednesday” and gave out dulces (sweets) as students and staff walked into the building at the beginning of the day.
Latinos Unidos will soon start preparing an “ofrenda” display to show the importance of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) in their culture. Día de los Muertos is a traditional fiesta in honor of the deceased that is celebrated on Nov. 1 and 2 in Mexico and other regions of Latin America.
“Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month helps students find belonging, connection, and pride in their culture,” said Latinos Unidos club sponsor Rebecca Gauna. “Having papel picado hanging in the main entrance, hearing bachata or cumbia playing during passing periods, and having a huge chalkboard with the message of ‘Latinos Unidos’ celebrates the amazingly diverse cultures we have at GBS. The fact that students have created the decorations, designs and playlists is a way for them to demonstrate their leadership and pride in who they are.”
At Glenbard West, Hispanic Heritage Month began with a papel picado making event on Sept. 19 in the library during lunch periods. These colorful, delicate paper banners are traditionally strung across streets and homes for holidays, festivals and other celebratory occasions. The next week, Loteria took center stage as students gathered in the library to compete during their lunch break. In October, West will conclude HHM activities with delicious paletas served by the Victory Bell.
Papel picado decorations near the main entrance, along with playing music during passing periods on Fridays, keep the hallways festive during the month. The Glenbard Latino Organization (GLO) decorated the main hallway display case as well to showcase Hispanic culture.
“At Glenbard West, we believe recognition months like Hispanic Heritage Month are essential for fostering representation and belonging in our school,” said Assistant Principal for Student Services Pete Baker. “When students see their cultures, histories, and contributions celebrated, it not only builds pride but also deepens understanding across our community. These celebrations make a real difference in the lives of our students and strengthen the inclusive spirit of our school.”
This week is HHM Spirit Week at the Directions Program. Monday was Wear Any Flag Colors Day, which aimed to celebrate diversity by wearing the colors of any national flag. Sports Jersey Day took place on Tuesday, and will be followed by Wear Your College Gear Day (Si Se Puede: Yes We Can!). Loteria Day and Western Day (western attire) close out the calendar week.
“The Directions Program includes a diverse group of students from many different backgrounds,” said Directions Principal Jordan Poll. “Our Hispanic population is well represented here, which makes Hispanic Heritage Month especially important at Directions. The school is decorated with many depictions of well-known Hispanic figures throughout the month. We celebrated with a taco truck where staff served students tacos provided by a local business, we enjoyed Hispanic music in our cafeteria, and students took part in a viewing of Disney’s Coco.”
Directions will also be taking students to the National Hispanic College Fair at Aurora University this week. The National Hispanic College Fair is an event designed to connect Hispanic and Latinx students with colleges and universities that are interested in recruiting them. This fair provides an opportunity for students to learn about higher education options, explore different colleges and universities, and gather information about admissions, financial aid, scholarships, and other educational resources.
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