Students from Santa Monica High School's Legado Latino club made history this month when they received and presented the official Hispanic Heritage Month proclamation before the Santa Monica City Council, marking a significant moment of recognition for Latino youth voices in the community.
The presentation, led by club members under the guidance of Dr. Guadalupe Mireles-Toumayan, represented both a celebration of cultural heritage and an opportunity for young Latino leaders to take center stage in civic engagement.
"Receiving the proclamation felt like a moment of pride for all of us," said Milly García Hernandez, president of Legado Latino. "It was powerful to stand before the City Council and remind everyone that Hispanic heritage is part of Santa Monica's story. We're honoring our ancestors while showing that our voices continue to shape the future."
The proclamation ceremony highlighted the contributions of Latino families and culture to Santa Monica's diverse community fabric. For many students, the experience represented more than ceremonial recognition — it served as a platform for visibility and empowerment.
"For me, this proclamation means visibility," said student Danna Garcia Hernandez. "It means that the contributions of Latino families are being seen and appreciated. It's a celebration of who we are — our language, our music, our traditions — and how they enrich not only Santa Monica but the entire world."
Dr. Mireles-Toumayan's leadership proved instrumental in inspiring students to embrace their cultural identity while developing civic engagement skills. García Hernandez praised her adviser's impact on the club's mission.
"I want to thank our chair and adviser, Dr. Guadalupe Mireles-Toumayan for her exceptional leadership and dedication to uplifting Latino culture and youth voices," García Hernandez said. "Her commitment to celebrating Latino identity has empowered us to embrace our roots, express cultural pride, and represent our community with confidence."
The students' reflections reveal the deep personal impact of participating in formal civic proceedings. Evelyn Garvin said the city's recognition gave her hope about community values.
"Being recognized by the city gave me hope," Garvin said. "It shows that our community values diversity and the cultures that make Santa Monica unique. Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month taught me that our roots connect us to people all over the world."
For student Jonathan Granados, presenting the proclamation deepened his connection to his heritage. "Presenting the proclamation made me realize how proud I am of my heritage," he said. "Hispanic Heritage Month gives us the chance to share our culture and show that our stories and struggles are about love, family, and perseverance."
The experience also reinforced themes of leadership and civic participation among participating students. Valeria Cueva-Lopez said the ceremony boosted her confidence in community advocacy.
"This experience made me feel part of something bigger," Cueva-Lopez said. "Knowing that our voices were heard by city leaders gives me confidence to keep speaking up for my community and celebrating where I come from."
Student Gia Mata emphasized the connection between cultural identity and leadership potential. "When we embrace our roots, we also embrace our purpose," Mata said. "The proclamation reminded me that our voices matter — that young Latinos can be leaders in any space."
Hispanic Heritage Month, observed annually from September 15 to October 15, celebrates the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. The observance began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week and was expanded to a month-long celebration in 1988.
Jonathan Alvarado reflected on the broader cultural significance of the month-long observance. "Hispanic Heritage Month gives us a chance to celebrate the stories that built us — the music, food, and values that make us who we are," he said.
The Legado Latino club's presentation demonstrates how educational institutions can foster civic engagement while celebrating cultural diversity, creating opportunities for student voices to contribute meaningfully to community dialogue and recognition.
The proclamation reading represents Santa Monica's ongoing commitment to acknowledging the diverse communities that contribute to the city's cultural richness and civic life.