Two thousand ten has been quite the year. As it comes to an end, it is the perfect time to reflect on the work achieved throughout the year. The Latin@s Stand Up! Movement (LSU) from Global Connections High School did just that. In this moment of reflection one achievement stood out the most: The Fiestas Patrias Parade.
The Fiestas Patrias Parade takes place each year to celebrate the independence of Mexico and other Latin American countries. This year Mexico celebrated its 200 years of independence from Spain. LSU joined the celebration by participating in the parade. It was their first participation in such event. With the help of all its members, LSU spent the entire summer gathering costumes, music, and plenty of energy.
The Fiestas Patrias Parade took place September 18 in the South Park neighborhood of Seattle. There were over 30 entries and LSU was proud to be one of them. LSU gathered 22 of its members, including community members and 3 of its co-founders. They decorated a truck with hand-made traditional flowers made of tissue paper, decorative paint, and a Mexican flag displayed on the hood of the truck. Most of the girls dressed in traditional outfits from head to toe.
Rafael Vazquez and Jose Lopez, co-founders of LSU, join the celebration. Jose wore a traditional Mariachi suit: “I loved to be able to do my Mexican scream out loud and feel proud to wear a Mariachi outfit,” confessed Lopez. The group was fortunate enough to have LEAP’s very own Chacal join them. He blended right in with all the energy and enthusiasm he displayed.
This parade wasn’t just a Mexican celebration. People from other Latin American countries were present as well. “The 2010 parade in South Park was a great experience letting the Latino community show their spirit and represent for their culture!” said LSU member Araceli Esparza. Araceli is currently a junior at Global Connections High School and has dedicated the past two years to the Latin@s Stand Up! Movement.
The parade commenced at the Sea Mar Community Health Center. LSU demonstrated their spirit through music, yelling, silly string, and lots of treats for the spectators. It concluded at the South Park Community Center where everyone enjoyed live music, food, and plenty of sunshine.
When it came time for the awards ceremony, it was LSU’s surprise to find out they were awarded the “Most Spirit Award”. This was LSU’s first year of participating in Fiestas Patrias Parade and they were amazed at how their hard work paid off.
LSU member, Chuyita Tejeda, had been a spectator of this parade in past years. She now had the opportunity to know what it was like to be a part of it all. “The best experience I ever [had] at a parade,” said Tejeda. Chuyita is also a junior at Global Connections High School and shows great dedication to LSU.
All of LSU’s members were excited about participating for the first time in the Fiestas Patrias Parade. They have even brainstorm ideas for next years’ parade. They want to return with the same, or more, enthusiasm as they did this year.
The year is coming to an end and with it comes the memories we most cherish. Those moments are what make the year worth remembering. Two thousand ten was indeed the year. We’ll just have to wait and see what 2011 has in store for LSU.
Written by Gabriela Osorio, co-founder of LSU, and currently a student at Highline Community College. She enjoys writing, reading, and spending time with her family.
The Latin@s Stand Up! Movement (LSU) is a student-oriented club at Global Connections High School in the Highline School District. They are committed to improve the educational outcomes of their peers through leadership, advocacy, and cultural awareness. LSU meets every Wednesday in Ms. Weseman’s room at 2:15 pm. All are welcomed to join. For more information, contact Gaby Osorio at g_osorio08@yahoo.com
