Panther Creek High School students recently enjoyed a cultural bonanza at the school’s annual Hispanic Heritage Month celebration.

As students arrived at school, they were greeted by live orchestra music, art displays and student speakers. It was a celebration designed to be experienced.

“Music brings life to everything,” orchestra director Rachel Kim said. “We can learn about Hispanic heritage in books, but bringing in music adds joy and celebration. You can’t just pass by; you feel it.”

Students and staff gathered in the cafeteria, atrium and balcony above as student speakers from the world languages department introduced each piece and its cultural significance before the orchestra played. Lotería cards and paper flowers, all made by students, were draped across the walls.

This is the orchestra’s third Hispanic Heritage Month performance, and this year, Rachel wanted to branch out with the music.

“It’s a treasure hunt for me, finding pieces for this celebration that also challenge our students and match where they are in the curriculum,” she said.

As the final notes of the slower piece “Estrellita” faded, Spanish teachers handed out maracas to the crowd, who played along as the next song, “Tico Tico,” picked up the pace.

Spanish teacher Brenda Galan, wearing a bright pink traditional Mexican dress and flower crown, was proud to see such wide cultural representation.

“The students who participated represent so many different countries — Colombia, Peru, Chile, Mexico, Venezuela, Spain,” she said. “The interesting part about this is that they really feel proud and they bring their friends who are from other cultures. They are all united by this.”

One of the participants was very familiar with the songs, if not the celebration itself.

Adrian, a sophomore exchange student from Spain, shared that “everything is different” in the U.S., but in small ways. One of those things: A special month to celebrate Hispanic culture.

“The way they celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month here is really interesting because it represents all of the Panther Creek students who are from South America or Spain, like me for example,” Adrian said. “It’s very good, and the music is great.”

When the event wrapped up, Rachel and her students took a final bow as the crowd applauded.

“We could just learn the music, but the reason we go outside our classroom walls and bring it to the center of the campus is because we want all the students to have that moment of remembrance, that memory and appreciation,” Rachel said. “I hope they take away the importance of appreciating different cultures.”

- Rachel McReynolds