Post Road School students treated to Hispanic Heritage Month show

Post Road Elementary School students were treated Wednesday morning to lively dance and song performances in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month – along with dual-language readings that taught them about Spanish-speaking leaders and lessons about animals.

Principal Jesimae Ossorio kicked off the celebration with an enthusiastic “Bienvenidos todos!” – “Welcome all!” – and introduced her two young co-hosts, Lindsey Nolasco and Francesca Astudillo.

“Yes, today we celebrate everything that makes us proud to be Hispanic!” Lindsey told the crowd of jubilant third- through fifth-graders who filled the auditorium. She then added in Spanish that music and dance would be presented.

The girls announced that the event would give special attention to Hispanic women leaders, including Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo – but suddenly a student in a sloth costume appeared out of nowhere and caused a stir.

“If we don’t bother him, he won’t bother us,” Mathias Yau told the faux flustered Ms. Ossorio while the children giggled. “In fact, in parts of Central America like Costa Rica, the sloth is considered a national representation of how people should live their lives … stress free and with no worries!”

After the slow-moving mammal exited stage left, two students playing the Mexican leader and her interior minister, Rosa Icela Rodriguez, took to the stage to be interviewed.

“As interior minister, I am responsible for the safety and security of Mexico’s people. I work in shaping strong and healthy relationships between Mexico and other countries,” said Chelsea Perez, who played the role.

The students also paid homage with flags to former Argentine President Isabel Peron, former Bolivian President Lidia Gueiler, former Nicaraguan President Violeta Chamorro and former Ecuadorean President Rosalia Arteaga.

Clad in an all-white matador outfit, little Santiago Hernandez then performed a rousing rendition of Selena’s popular Ranchera song “El Toro Relajo” – “The Partying Bull.”

The program then turned back to the topic of exotic animals when the performers described the axolotl, a salamander that first inhabited water bodies in the Mexican highlands, and the quetzal, a vibrant bird that lives in parts of Mexico, Guatemala and Panama. 

“They are just a few of the countless numbers of animals that play such an important role in the lives of the people that we celebrate today!” Ms. Ossorio said before the celebration turned to dancing.

“Dance in Hispanic culture is so much more than just entertainment. It’s a way for us to tell stories and pass down history, unify communities and strengthen national pride,” Lindsey said.

Maria Paula and Maria Clara then danced to “Milagros,” a folk song by the Colombian star Karol G that focuses on themes of gratitude, personal growth and emotional healing.

Next, students paid homage to Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny, the Grammy Award winner whose “Una Mas,” or “One More Time,” concert was a livestreamed hit. 

The 45-minute event, which was later repeated for a K-2 crowd, concluded with a performance of the singer’s “Debi Tirar Mas Fotos,” or, “I Should Have Taken More Photos.” He is scheduled to perform during the Super Bowl.

One of the students in the audience said she was excited to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.

“I feel great! I like all the music,” said third-grader Samantha Flores DeJesus.

Ms. Ossorio noted that about 65 percent of the students in the school hail from Spanish-speaking countries.

“It’s important to celebrate their heritage and for them to feel represented in the community,” she said. “It’s also important for students to learn about other cultures.”