The New Century School hosted its third annual Spanish Heritage Night on Wednesday, October 17th, for the culmination of Spanish Heritage Month, which runs from September 15th through October 15th and celebrates the histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Why does the 30-day span start in the middle of the month? That’s because September 15th is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16th and September 18th, respectively. Columbus Day (Día de la Raza) also falls within this period.
This year was better than ever, with more songs, more performances, and more comida! The auditorium was beautifully decorated, and faculty and students worked super hard to put on a fabulous show, videos of which are below for your convenience! This year was special for a couple of other reasons as well. First, note that the students themselves emceed the show, first in Spanish and then translated into English. Secondly, scholarship recipients presented a heartfelt thank-you to school founders Roberta Faux and Jennifer Lawner, without whom none of this would have been possible. Speaking of folks who went above and beyond to make this all happen, Sra. Fabiola Sanzana, the TNCS community is so grateful for your commitment and effort—not to mention your beautiful singing and guitar playing! And thanks also need to go to Sra. Barbara Sanchez, who was Sra. Sanzana’s partner, as well as to all teachers, volunteers, families, and administrators, It was truly a wonderful occasion!
Performances started with a rousing entrance to the stage.
Next, a few elementary students introduced the evening.
Next, other students explained that the kindergarten and 1st-grade classes would be singing a medley of !Hola! (Hello!); Buenos Días (Good Morning); Buenos Días, Amigo (Good Morning, Friend); Hay Siete Días de la Semana (There Are Seven Days of the Week); Enero, Febrero (January, February); Había Una Vez un Barco Chiquito (Once Upon a Time There Was a Little Boat); Al Son de Crocodrilo (To the Rhythm of the Crocodile); Más Vale Dar que Recibir (It Is Better to Give than to Receive); and Habia un Sapo (There Was a Toad).
It was amazing—see for yourself!
A very moving speech followed by a middle schooler who described his experience at TNCS. It was beautifully written and expertly given.
Two students introduced the 2nd- and 3rd-graders who even sang a song from the movie Coco—-who didn’t love that movie?!
The first song was the lovely Verde Luz by Antonio Caban Vale from 1942 in Moca, Puerto Rico.
Poco Loco from Coco came next.
Next, a reading of the poem Corazón Coraza was introduced first in Spanish . . .
. . . then in English.
And now, here’s the poem itself!
Next, the 4th- through 8th-graders were introduced very sweetly by one of the younger students.
They first sang the traditional Chilean folk song, Te Extraño Tanto.
The ever-popular Cielito Lindo followed.
A second poem was introduced, and a middle school student presented Hay Quién Precisa by Cuban songwriter and poet Silvio Rodriguez.
The audience was truly delighted when next a TNCS dad took the stage and absolutely nailed the popular Corazón Espinado by José Fernando Emilio Olvera Sierra.
Closing out this section, twin siblings presented “Interesting Facts about the Spanish Language.”
The entire elementary and middle school student body was introduced, and the grand finale was underway!
First they sang Que Canten los Niños by José Luis Perales from Spain. There are four great solos within!
Madre Tierra by Chayanne from Puerto Rico came next.
And finally, La Chica Ye Ye brought down the house.
Head of School Shara Khon Duncan closed the stage performances with a gracious thank-you to attendees for coming and for contributing to such a great evening.
!Gracias por leer!