Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Together at Rutgers Prep

Students, families, and faculty gathered in the Dining Commons on Friday, October 17, for the third annual Hispanic Heritage Celebration.

Sponsored by the Latin American Student Association (LASA), this year’s event centered on the theme “Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future.” Posters of influential Latino figures such as Sonia Sotomayor and Lin-Manuel Miranda lined the room, each featuring powerful quotes about respect, unity, and perseverance. Guests enjoyed traditional dishes like rice and beans, fried plantains, and sweet desserts. As their laughter and smiles made clear, they very clearly enjoyed the salsa and bachata lessons led by dance teacher Johsian Martinez-Gonzalez.

In a speech to attendees LASA President Quiana Lentini ’26 reflected on the club’s impact. “It’s about celebrating who we are and where we come from,” she said. “Being a part of this club has allowed me to feel deeply connected with my culture.” Vice President Micah Kruger-Serrano ’27 echoed those sentiments and thanked volunteers and participants for helping make the evening a success for the third year in a row.

Parent organizer Maria Serrano shared powerful words about the love and support the RPS community shows Latino students and families. “There’s no greater opportunity than now to tell you how meaningful it is to us that you are here to support our students and our families,” she said. “Cuando estamos juntos, podemos lograr lo imposible.” “When we’re together, we can achieve the impossible." Perfect words to sum up the feeling of community in the room that night.

Thank you to the Latin American Student Association, the Hispanic Heritage Parents Committee, and everyone who played a role—big or small—in creating this wonderful celebration.