The Webutuck Central School District will be celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month by having students and their families participate in special events. National Hispanic Heritage Month began Sept. 15 and will end Oct. 15.

“I think it’s super important we celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month,” said Spanish teacher Sarah Martin. “We have such a diverse population here and a growing Spanish population. It’s so nice to celebrate where the students come from. It’s great to celebrate their cultures, countries and different dialects, and I think they really appreciate seeing their flags and discussing the country they’re from.”

Students will have the opportunity to create artwork, celebrating Hispanic heritage, and will have the chance to celebrate Heritage Day Oct. 2 during Spirit Week. Heritage Day gives students the opportunity to celebrate their culture.

“The students can bring flags and wear them like a cape,” said Spanish teacher Nicole Charriez. “They can wear traditional clothing. That also shows the community the different wonderful things the 21 (Spanish-speaking) countries have to offer.”

The district will conclude its Hispanic celebration Friday, Oct. 18, with a free community event at the high school that will feature food, music and dance. The artwork will be displayed for students and their families to vote on for the best art pieces.

“Some of the high school students have gotten together and have created a dance presentation representing different countries,” said Charriez. “It’s going to be a great event. It’s going to bring the community together.”

Karla Tiul came to the United States from Guatemala at the age of nine and is planning to attend the Oct. 18 community event.

“It is important to me because I’m happy they're celebrating my culture,” said the freshman Spanish student of National Hispanic Heritage Month at Webutuck. “I enjoy being here. The teachers are so nice.”

Areidys Dionicio, a freshman, is a Spanish student born in the United States. Her mom is Guatemalan and her father is Mexican.

“It’s important because we celebrate our cultures and countries,” she said. “You learn new things, languages and different foods.”