Glenbard News Student Spotlight: Hayden Castillo (Glenbard North)

Click here to read the Glenbard News for October 14, 2025

Glenbard North senior Hayden Castillo is featured in today’s Glenbard News Spotlight. Castillo is a student leader in numerous clubs and activities at North, including the Organization for Latin American Students (O.L.A.S.), Link Crew and the Influencer Club. Learn more about Hayden in our Spotlight below.

What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you personally?

To me, Hispanic Heritage Month means pride, celebration, and love for our culture. Not only is Hispanic Heritage Month a time to feel pride in being Latinx, but it is also a time to remember where you came from. Hispanic Heritage Month is a celebration of all the great things that come with being Hispanic, and it is also a celebration of the great communities we are all a part of. Lastly, Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to love those around you and appreciate those that you call family and friends.

What are some aspects of Hispanic history or culture that you think more people should learn about?

One of the most important aspects of Hispanic culture is our music. Music is a form of expression and communication that goes beyond just speech. While Hispanic culture has such a wide variety of communities and traditions, music is a shared aspect that flows beyond borders. I feel that everyone, no matter their culture, should learn and listen to different Hispanic music in order to broaden their scope.

Who are some Hispanic figures (historical or contemporary) that you look up to or find inspiring?

When considering some of my own personal Hispanic role models, my first thought was of Pitbull, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and lastly Rigoberta Menchú. One commonality within each of these people is their ability to stand up for what they believe in, and also hold their heads up high in times of difficulty. Those qualities are some that I truly admire, and also strive to maintain within myself.

How important is it to you that the student perspective/voice is strongly represented at North?

I feel as though the student perspective/voice is one of the most powerful and valuable things that can be represented at North. Not only do students get to experience a different way of life at North, but they also have new and fresh perspectives regarding different topics. The students at North are the future of our community, and it is absolutely essential for those students to gain lifelong confidence in order to spark change.

North staff have pointed out your great relationships across the school with peers, teachers and administrators. How has developing those relationships helped you as a student leader during your time at North?

Not only have those relationships taught me friendship skills, communication skills, and confidence, but those relationships have also taught me how to appropriately share my thoughts with other people. I hope that each student makes an effort to create connections with those around them, and even maybe create long lasting bonds.

Along with OLAS, what are some other things you do within your school community?

Apart from OLAS, I am also involved in Link Crew (Panther LEAP and Panther Cubby Crew), Volleyball, Influencers, ISA, Spanish Honors Society, Science Honors Society, National Honors Society, High Honor Roll, and I am also an AP Scholar. It is important for students to be involved in multiple activities and grow within their own interests, meet new people, and also take on new challenges. Within North, we have a multitude of opportunities for different students to try many activities, and I highly recommend each student chooses at least one to take on.

Glenbard News Student Spotlight: Hayden Castillo (Glenbard North)

What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you personally?

What are some aspects of Hispanic history or culture that you think more people should learn about?

Who are some Hispanic figures (historical or contemporary) that you look up to or find inspiring?

How important is it to you that the student perspective/voice is strongly represented at North?

North staff have pointed out your great relationships across the school with peers, teachers and administrators. How has developing those relationships helped you as a student leader during your time at North?

Along with OLAS, what are some other things you do within your school community?