Lake Oconee Academy proudly hosted its annual Hispanic Heritage Celebration on October 1, 2025, marking its third year of celebration. Cultural pride was high with over 100 families experiencing a vibrant evening filled with food, music and art, creating a beautiful event for all to enjoy.
Held in the school cafeteria, the celebration featured stations of unforgettable family-prepared dishes, student art exhibits, a photography presentation and a lively lineup of student performances including national anthem solos, elementary song and dance numbers, plus a performance by LOA’s very own Jazz Band. The evening beautifully blended education, creativity and the rich traditions of Hispanic culture.
For students, the night was more than just a showcase: It was a celebration of identity and connection. LOA 11th-grader Jennifer Mejia-Avila reflected on the deeper meaning behind the evening, “It’s a meaningful celebration of culture, identity and pride; an opportunity to honor heritage and share it with others,” Mejia-Avila said. “It felt inspiring and heartwarming to see families and students come together to share their culture. You could really feel the joy in the room.”
Mejia-Avila also added, “Events like this build understanding and appreciation, creating space for connection and shared joy across cultures. I hope everyone walked away with a deeper respect for diversity, a sense of belonging and the excitement to keep learning from one another.”
Middle School student Eleazar Hernandez echoed the same sentiment, “Hispanic Heritage Night is about more than just celebrating culture: It’s about family. Seeing so many people come together to share yummy food makes you feel proud.”
Shannon Hooks, ESOL teacher at LOA, helped organize the event and shared, “Our Hispanic families beautifully showcased their culture and the energy radiated from start to finish. My favorite part is always seeing old friends and making new ones. This year, families who had never participated before stepped into the spotlight. It was incredibly special and a huge success!”
The creative displays, along with the performances, reflected lessons students had been studying throughout the month in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. As the event came to a close, laughter and conversation still filled the school event space, proof of the connections and sense of belonging that make the night a favorite among LOA families.
“This celebration is about honoring culture, but it’s also about honoring the families who are at the heart of LOA,” said Lizette Delgado, LOA Spanish teacher. “Every performance, every piece of art, and every shared story came from that sense of family.”
Lake Oconee Academy is proud to celebrate the diversity that strengthens its school community and looks forward to continuing this joyful tradition for years to come.