Saint Peter High School will host Hispanic/Latino Peoples’ Joy Day on Friday, Oct. 11, during the school day, the third event of its kind in the past year, which is dedicated to the rich heritage, culture, and contributions of one of the many ethnic groups which make up our diverse student population.
SPHS’s Hispanic/Latino Peoples’ Joy Day will be an educational and cultural conference for students in grades 9-12. The day will be a vibrant acknowledgment of Hispanic/Latino culture and Hispanic/Latino Joy, and SPHS students will have the unique opportunity to experience the conference.
Previously, SPHS hosted Indigenous Peoples’ Joy Day and Black Peoples’ Joy Day during the 2023-24 school year, and the popularity and success of those prompted school administration to expand upon that program.
“We are so very proud to bring experiences like these to our students and our community,” Saint Peter Public Schools’ Equity Coordinator John Warren said. “It is truly an honor to be given the opportunity to share the humanity, diversity and joy of our students with everyone.”
Hispanic/Latino Peoples’ Joy Day will include a series of educational and cultural events, including traditional music, dance, theatrical performances, a meal prepared by our very own culinary staff that includes ethnic Hispanic/Latino food choices, and a lineup of esteemed speakers from across the state. These speakers/presenters will cover a wide range of topics, from the significance of Hispanic/Latino traditions to contemporary achievements and challenges faced by those communities.
Event Highlights:
Opening ceremony keynote speaker - Patricia Izek. She is the Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility at the University of Minnesota Libraries. She presents on topics of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility for units across the University.
Closing ceremony keynote speaker - Dr. Elia Dimayuga-Bruggeman. Known for her reputation as an innovative problem solver, dedicated educator, and expert in the field of K-12 education, Dr. Elia Bruggeman is originally from Mexico and has worked in education for over 30 years. She joined Project Success as a Senior Education Advisor in 2023 with a passion and commitment to guide programming that serves students and families.
Lucha Libre wrestling exhibition during the closing ceremonies in SPHS gym. Lucha Libre is a style of professional wrestling originating in Mexico.
Saint Peter High School is committed to fostering an educational environment that respects and promotes an understanding of cultural diversity and heritage. We believe in the power of education to bridge gaps and build a community that values the contributions of all its members.
SPHS senior uses artistic talents to create poster for Hispanic Joy Day
Getting students involved in organizing and helping put on events like Hispanic/Latino Peoples’ Joy Day is important to those Saint Peter High School staff members overseeing it. According to John Warren, SPPS’s equity coordinator, this year one student has gotten ‘creative’ in her involvement with the event.
SPHS senior Leilani Reyna, who has aspirations of becoming a graphic designer some day, created this publicity poster (see above) for Hispanic/Latino Peoples’ Joy Day. It was a process that took shape in the summer and culminated with a beautifully designed poster that captures the essence of what the event is all about.
“The poster was based on an idea I had using the national flowers of all of the Latin American countries,” Reyna said. “The reason I used the national flowers was because it helped symbolize the universal beauty of Latin America and I knew it was a way to help represent those different cultures.”
(SHOWN HERE) SPHS senior Leilani Reyna created the poster for Hispanic/Latino Peoples' Joy Day using Procreate design app on her iPad.