Through a lot of hard work and some grant money, an Emporia High School group called Latinos Unidos hopes to change some of the stereotypes people of Hispanic descent face.
The group, which includes members of the Girl Scouts of the Flint Hills, will run six booths during Emporia’s sesquicentennial celebration Wednesday. The booths will be filled with cultural information from six countries: Guatemala, Ecuador, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Honduras and El Salvador. With a few exceptions, each booth will be run by a student from that country.
The idea for the educational program was started by Maria “Endy” Zuniga, 18, president of Latinos Unidos. Zuniga, who was out of town during interviews for this article, put together a team to work on the program. Zuniga’s idea turned into reality when she and her team received grants and got to work.
Last week, the team was busy putting together educational posters and working out final details.
“We want to inform the community,” said vice-president Candy Salas, 17. “We want them to know we’re different but also similar. People assume we’re all Mexican, but that’s not true.”
At each booth, there will be a 3-sided poster board filled with information about the country.
“We hope once they see it all together, they can compare and contrast,” Salas said.
Members and volunteers of Latinos Unidos will conduct Spanish Bingo, which is bingo with pictures. They will serve Hispanic foods and drinks. Piñatas and activities for children will be provided. The Studio 2B Latinas dancers will perform traditional dances.
Visitors to the booths will be able to listen to oral history recordings.
lynnie_p (anonymous) says...
you go guys... I'm proud of my students....... and I miss you so much
July 3, 2007 at 8:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )