It was a hand-clapping, foot-stomping, dance-in-the-aisles kind of evening at Clifton Park Elementary School Thursday during a spirited celebration of Hispanic culture.
The school went all-out to level-up its efforts to recognize Hispanic Heritage Month, which began nationally September 15 and continues through October 15.
The school hosted Ballet Folklorico Viva Mexico of Bryan-College Station, which set the mood with familiar jaunty Spanish rythm and skirt-twirling dance that encouraged audience movement and appreciation.
Following a hot dog supper, family members wandered past cultural displays and returned to their seats for more music and dance.
The large audience of parents and other family supporters out their phones to record the next section of the program featuring Clifton Park students.
A series of choirs – kindergarten and first grade, and the fourth and fifth grade Jaguars’ choir, performed songs and dances familiar to Hispanic culture.
Maggie Burvato, the school’s social and emotional learning specialist headed the committee that organized the event.
She described for the audience the history of Hispanic Heritage Month in the United States. Staff members and students introduced the segments of the program in English and Spanish.
At the end, a proud Burvato expressed the importance of exposing students to diverse cultures and said the best part of the evening was the gathering of family members.
Several KISD schools have hosted events in celebration of Hispanic culture this month and some are still to come.
“It’s so important because we spread the message of culture,” she said, noting there are 21 primarily Spanish-speaking countries and the diverse Killeen area with its strong military influence brings many of them here.
“We have such a huge population, so it meant a lot that we acknowledge those cultures and families and bring everyone together.”
Looking around at the crowds milling through the cafeteria, Burvato expressed joy at the gathering.
“We love to see all the kids smiling and having a great time. The biggest part is that it’s a family night and that means so much to us.”
Photos of the Clifton Park event and other campus Hispanic Heritage celebrations are posted at www.killeenisd.org/photos