San Jac celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

San Jacinto College campuses celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15-Oct. 15) with face-to-face and virtual events and activities for students, faculty, and staff.

"At San Jac, our students are diverse, and it's important for them to see representation on campus," said Ginnette Ruelas, student engagement and support specialist. "We were able to share some things about the Latinx culture that they may not know, and we can learn from them as well."

Hispanic Heritage Month recognizes the achievements and contributions of Hispanic American champions who have inspired others to achieve success.

The San Jac Hispanic Heritage Committee offered essay and art contests, Hispanic guest speakers, a digital bulletin, and a presentation of Hispanic student haikus and poems.

"Hispanic Heritage Month is important at any institution and at every level, but as a Hispanic-serving institution within a very Hispanic community, it is vital to the San Jac community," said Nicole Brown, Hispanic Heritage Committee member. "We're celebrating our students and ourselves. This is our history and culture. It's important for San Jac not just to allow us the space to do that but to actively encourage it."

The month of activities culminated in a closing ceremony Oct. 14, where art and essay contest winners were announced. The contests were open to all current students, and winners received scholarships up to $500.

Art contest winners were ...

• First place: Angelica Ontiveros, "El Alebrije"
• Second place: Alyssia Torres, "La Bruja"
• Third place: Nayeli Medina, "El Matachn"

Essay contest winners were ...

• First place: Alejandra Flores, "Agua de Arroz"
• Second place: Angelica Ontiveros, "The Unexpected yet Effective Remedy of the Basil Seed"
• Third place: Emely Lopez, "Curar De Empacho"