Manchester High marks Hispanic Heritage Month with cultural celebration
TL;DR: Manchester High School held its fourth annual Hispanic Heritage Month celebration, showcasing student performances, traditional music, dances, and foods representing Latin American cultures.
Quick facts
- Who: Manchester High School students and staff, including Kennedy Williams (senior), Sophia Pimienta (junior), and Alexis Booher (Spanish Immersion Coordinator)
- What: Fourth annual Hispanic Heritage Month celebration featuring traditional dances, music, food, and personal narratives from Latin American cultures
- When: September 29, 2026
- Where: Manchester High School, Chesterfield County
The story
Manchester High School held its fourth annual Hispanic Heritage Month celebration on September 29, bringing together students and staff to honor the diverse Latin American cultures represented in the school community.
The event featured traditional dances, music, food, and personal stories from countries including Colombia, Venezuela, and Bolivia. A Bolivian dance group performed, and students shared cultural narratives with their classmates. The celebration showcased the Spanish Immersion Program, where students learn academic subjects in Spanish alongside cultural awareness.
Kennedy Williams, a senior in the Spanish Immersion Program, spoke about her aspirations: "I want to be a polyglot and learn different languages so when I travel the world I can speak to those people." Sophia Pimienta, a junior, shared her Colombian heritage at the event, saying "I feel so proud to show something of my Colombian culture. I feel amazing."
Alexis Booher, Spanish Immersion Coordinator, emphasized the significance of the event for community connection. Booher noted the county's shifting demographics: "Our Latino population is growing. I think now we're up to 22% Latino students in our community in Chesterfield County."
The celebration reflects how the school uses cultural programming to build belonging and prepare students for an interconnected world, while acknowledging the growing diversity within the district.
Key players
- Kennedy Williams: Senior student in Spanish Immersion Program
- Sophia Pimienta: Junior student who shared Colombian culture at the event
- Alexis Booher: Spanish Immersion Coordinator
- Manchester High School: Host school in Chesterfield County Public Schools
Key dates
- 2026-09-29: Manchester High School Hispanic Heritage Month celebration held
Why it matters: The event highlights how Chesterfield County schools are creating inclusive spaces for students to celebrate their cultural identities. With Latino students now representing 22% of the county's student population, cultural celebrations strengthen community bonds and support belonging for all students.
Places
Development timeline
- 2026-09-29Manchester High School Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration: Fourth annual event featuring traditional Latin American dances, music, food, and student cultural narratives representing Colombia, Venezuela, and Bolivia [source]
Related links
Read the original at WTVR CBS 6 Local →