Galveston College and the Galveston Independent School District collaborated to present a Hispanic Heritage Month Extravaganza event for GISD Bilingual/ESL program students and parents at the college’s Abe and Annie Seibel Foundation Wing on the main campus.
Students and parents were treated to a Hispanic community leader panel discussion on higher education, Ballet Folklórico presentations, food from various Latin American countries, adult education resources, door prizes and other giveaways.
“We were thrilled to collaborate with GISD to co-host the Hispanic Heritage Month Extravaganza at Galveston College,” said Elvia Ortiz Segura, GC Director of Educational Services.
National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated annually from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 in the United States and recognizes the contributions and influence of Hispanic Americans to the history, culture and achievements of the U.S.
“It was a great turnout by students and their parents to celebrate national Hispanic Heritage Month and learn about the various cultures and history that make up our Hispanic culture in the United States,” said Rosie Alcocer, GC Student Success Advisor and Co-Advisor for GC’s Hispanic Student Organization.
During the event, guest speaker Dr. Jose Zelaya provided a presentation which highlighted the value of education from kindergarten through college, especially its importance for Hispanic families. Zelaya also participated in the panel discussion of Hispanic community leaders.
Zelaya migrated to the United States from Honduras and earned his undergraduate and graduate degrees from Texas A&M University.
ABOUT GALVESTON COLLEGE
Galveston College was founded in 1967 and is a comprehensive community college providing the residents of Galveston Island and the surrounding region with academic, workforce development, continuing education and community service programs.