Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates The Essence of Music: La Música
Polk State College is kicking off its annual celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month on Wednesday, Sept. 12, with a variety of events that will allow students, faculty, staff, and guests to experience “The Essence of Music: La Música.”
The Hispanic Heritage Month Kick-off will be held noon Wednesday at the Winter Haven Student Center in WST 126. The event will include remarks from Polk State President Angela Garcia Falconetti and Puerto Rican/Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Polk County President Ana Rivera de Ramos; Hispanic history trivia; and a performance by the FrediDANCE Project.
“Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity for Polk State students, faculty, staff, and guests to experience culture and diversity through educational, engaging events filled with history, music, dancing, cuisine, and more,” Director of Equity and Diversity Valparisa Baker said. “These events are not only important to recognize and honor Hispanic heritage, but to also create an inviting atmosphere that fosters cultural awareness and the coming together of the College’s diverse population.”
Students are also invited to apply for the Hispanic Heritage Scholarship, which is awarded to a student who meets academic requirements and demonstrates an interest in serving the community. The deadline for this year’s Hispanic Heritage Scholarship is Sept. 25 by 11:59 p.m.
The Office of Equity and Diversity, in partnership with the Polk State College Foundation and Club Hispano de Lakeland, will award the scholarship at the Hispanic Heritage Scholarship Fiesta on Oct. 17 at 12 p.m. in the Polk State Lakeland Student Center Dining Hall in LAC 1133. For more information, visit the Office of Equity and Diversity’s page.
The Office of Equity and Diversity’s Hispanic Heritage events are in partnership with the Student Activities and Leadership Office (SALO), Polk State College Foundation, Únete Hispanic Latino Club, International Circle Club, Honors Program, Club Hispano de Lakeland, Events by Violet, and FrediDANCE Project.
Events are free unless otherwise noted. This year’s events are as follows.
Hispanic Heritage Month Gallery Exhibit
Sept. 3 – Oct. 11 | Mon. – Thurs. | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Polk State Lakeland Art Gallery
Artist Reception featuring Jesus Nieves
Thurs., Sept. 6 | 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Polk State Lakeland Art Gallery
Hispanic Heritage Month Kick-off
Wed., Sept. 12 | Noon
Polk State Winter Haven Student Center
Hispanic Heritage Celebration: La Música
Wed., Sept. 26 | Noon
Polk State JD Alexander Center Lobby
Café con Leche: The Importance of Education and Getting Involved
Tues., Oct. 2 | Noon
Polk State Winter Haven Student Center Lobby
Café con Leche: The Importance of Education and Getting Involved
Wed., Oct. 3 | Noon
Polk State Lakeland Student Center Lobby
Hispanic Heritage Scholarship Fiesta
Wed., Oct. 17 | Noon
Polk State Lakeland Student Center Dining Hall
Annual Hispanic Festival
Presented by Club Hispano de Lakeland
Sat., Oct. 27 | Noon – 8 p.m.
Lake Mirror Promenade/Barnett Park, Lakeland
$5 Adults | Children under 12 are free
For information regarding the festival, call 863.808.7789 or email HispanicClubofLakeland@yahoo.com.