Ramstein Middle School students shine at Hispanic Heritage Month celebration

On Sept. 16, Ramstein Middle School Spanish II students took the stage at the Hercules Theater to kick off the Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations with vibrant performances of traditional and contemporary dances. The event was a colorful and energetic tribute to the rich culture, history, and contributions of the Hispanic community, setting an exciting tone for the month-long festivities. 

The students, dressed in traditional attire, captivated the audience with their enthusiasm and talent. The performances showcased the diversity and beauty of Hispanic traditions. 

Laura Batista, the Spanish II teacher, shared her thoughts on the event, saying, "It is incredibly rewarding to witness my students’ enthusiasm and dedication as they embrace both traditional and modern Hispanic dances. Their willingness to dress up and perform for our community is truly heartwarming. I am deeply touched to see them actively participating in our community’s Hispanic heritage celebration. Their involvement not only showcases their talent and hard work but also strengthens our cultural bonds and fosters a sense of unity and pride within our community. It is moments like these that remind me of the profound impact that cultural education and community engagement can have on our students’ personal growth and our collective heritage."

For the students, the opportunity to perform was both exciting and meaningful. Ariana Ontiveros, a proud Mexican American student, said, "The event was really fun! I loved dancing for everyone, especially for all the speakers that came here to Ramstein to deliver their speeches. I appreciate the time they took out of their day to speak about Hispanic Heritage Month and our culture. Seeing so many people there was very motivating and uplifting."
 

Though some students admitted to being nervous before taking the stage, the experience proved to be a rewarding one. "I was a little nervous, but I thought it was pretty fun and interesting to learn about other Hispanic American stories," shared Landon Burton. 

Julian Espinal added, "I was nervous but at the end, I had a lot of fun because I was with all my friends."

Other participants echoed similar sentiments. Maxwell Ingram reflected, "It was very fun, but I was nervous. I loved the experience of learning the dance and doing it felt rewarding!" 

Ramstein Middle School Spanish II students perform vibrant, traditional, and contemporary dances from Mexico and Puerto Rico during their Hispanic Heritage Month performance at the Hercules Theater on Sept. 16, 2024.

For Jonah Rodriguez, "It was very exciting and nerve-wracking, but I think we did very well."

Fabiola R. Afanador Marrero, who represented Puerto Rico during the celebration, remarked, "I had the best time with my friends and family. I was really scared, but after I got on the stage, I felt confident about myself and happy to be there representing my country."

The celebration not only highlighted cultural heritage but also inspired personal growth. "Learning Spanish as a second language and dancing to Hispanic music has been like opening my eyes to a new world full of possibilities," said Marisa Campbell.

The students' performances were a testament to their hard work and commitment, as Freya Schuyler shared, "It was very fun and a great experience for everyone. I was a little nervous at the beginning, but then it was simply fun. I was happy to be able to represent our school and Spanish class and was grateful to everyone who came."

Ramstein Middle School Spanish II students perform vibrant, traditional, and contemporary dances from Mexico and Puerto Rico during their Hispanic Heritage Month performance at the Hercules Theater on Sept. 16, 2024.

For Kalani Morgan, the unity of the event made it special: "It was very fun and interesting to learn about Hispanic heritage. I wasn’t nervous because I knew all the people I was with, and I enjoyed dancing." 

Karina Royals added, "It was super fun, and I liked learning the dance and performing it. I also liked the outfits and how beautiful the dresses are."

Ramstein Middle School’s Hispanic Heritage Month celebration in partnership with the base continues to foster cultural appreciation, student engagement, and community spirit, leaving a lasting impact on all involved.