The 2023-24 school year marked the creation of a new student-led Hispanic Club at Wildwood Middle School (WMS). WMS Aide Dalia Rodriguez said she got the ball rolling because she wanted a way to support students and families at her school.
"This year, I noticed a significant increase in Hispanic students, which inspired me to reach out to Mariona Fontanella, the WMS Spanish teacher. I proposed starting a Hispanic club, and she was immediately on board!"
While the new club is affiliated with the Jefferson County Schools (JCS) and Washington High School (WHS) Hispanic/Latino Student Associations (HLSA), WMS students voted to name the group the WMS Hispanglish Empowerment Club (HEC). The HEC held its first meeting in September and recently marked an important milestone in the election of its first officers.
Rodriguez said there are about 40 students in the club now, but she hopes to see that number grow.
"It's amazing to see how our club is growing and making a positive impact on our community," she said. "It's really making a difference!"
In October, HEC students celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month by taking a field trip to the Jefferson County Senior Center. On December 8, the club visited the Mexican Cultural Institute in Washington, DC. The group is planning additional events and outings in 2024.