Omaha South High School has a dominantly Hispanic population; therefore, these students share a culture, a background and a history. They are also diverse from each other, unique in their own ways and have their own experiences and perspectives.

Celebrating each other’s differences and honoring their culture is important for South’s Hispanic students. Sophomore Diana Flores-Hernandez agreed, saying that “it’s an important quality to celebrate holidays like Cinco De Mayo. It’s a big deal here.” Other important holidays for Hispanic students are Dia de los Muertos and Hispanic Heritage Month.

However, holidays aren’t the only thing students do to honor their identity. “I honor my background by not being afraid to speak Spanish in public,” Sophomore Selene Orozco-Moreno said. Senior David Garcia echoed a similar sentiment, adding that he isn’t ashamed to say he’s Mexican. Others acknowledge their culture by doing simple activities like eating Mexican food and listening to Hispanic music.

Being proud of one’s identity is understandably a crucial part of South High. Hispanic students have various ways of showing this, but so does the school itself. There are numerous clubs for Hispanic students at which they can connect and bond. South also boasts a diverse team of staff and teachers, and opportunities for dual language classes are also available.

Some of the activities open to everyone include Latino Leaders, the Mexican American Student Association (MASA) and mariachi band. Students are a family at Omaha South High School, Hispanic or not. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to celebrate their backgrounds!