The Latin American Hispanic Student Organization (LAHSO) hosted a celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month in the Chalmers lounge Sep. 2.

During the event, LAHSO Faculty Advisory and Upper School Dean Celso Cárdenas taught attendees the steps of the Payaso del Rodeo, a Latin line-dance. LAHSO leaders also provided refreshments and played Lotería, a Mexican game similar to bingo that uses pictures instead of numbers.

Cardenas said LAHSO leaders Sophia Rascoff ‘23, Fernanda Herrera ‘23, Omar Rivera ‘24, Nathalie Paniagua ‘23, Simone Herman ‘23, Andrea Colmenares-Cifuentes ‘24 and Cárdenas started preparing for the event at the beginning of the school year. After many different versions, the plan was eventually set for an hour of dancing, games and candy on the Quad. On the day of, the event was moved inside the Chalmers lounge due to the high temperature.

Rascoff said that she was pleased that LAHSO was able to adapt to the changes.

“I’m definitely glad we changed the location,” Rascoff said. “We wanted to be out on the Quad initially so that everyone could see the event and participate. However, the heat was unbearable. Everyone was definitely happy to be in the lounge and have the opportunity to cool off by attending the event.”

Sophomore Prefect Ellie Borris ’25 said the event was a perfect balance between educational and fun.

“I’m really glad I went to the event,” Borris said. “I had a great time, and it was really nice to learn about a new culture. I especially enjoyed the dancing, and the [air-conditioner] was an added bonus.”

Rascoff said the large gathering was unexpected but not unwelcome.

“We were very pleased with the turnout,” Rascoff said. “We had no idea so many students would show up in our planning, and we were pleasantly surprised to have nearly packed the lounge.”

Cárdenas said the LAHSO leaders reached their goals for the event and it ended up as a success.

“The LAHSO leaders wanted [the event] to be fun and communal,” Cárdenas said.. “With candy, drinks, dancing and games, they figured there would be something for everyone. Part of the goal of community time is to have shared spaces and experiences for students from all grades, along with staff, faculty, and administration, to come together. And I believe that was achieved!”