Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

Hispanic Heritage Month, Sept. 15-Oct. 15, is a time to recognize and celebrate the many contributions, cultures, and stories that enrich the Sumner-Bonney Lake community. This year’s theme, “Collective Heritage: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future,” invites us to reflect on the traditions and values that shape who we are while looking ahead with hope and purpose.

Over the next four weeks, SBLSD will be spotlighting Hispanic students and staff from across our schools. They will share their voices, honoring the past that grounds them and the dreams that inspire their future. We look forward to celebrating together and learning from the stories that unite us as one community. 

Pierce County Library locations are hosting a variety of programs and activities that celebrate the traditions, achievements and experiences of Hispanic and Latinx individuals. Find a list of workshops, events, and curated book lists on the Pierce County Library website.

Student spotlights

Sofia (5th grade) and Sara (3rd grade), Victor Falls Elementary

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, we are proud to highlight two sisters from Victor Falls Elementary, Sofia (5th grade) and Sara (3rd grade). Both students shared what their culture and family mean to them.

For Sofia, family traditions are especially important. She treasures Día de los Muertos, when her family builds an altar with photos, food, and candles to honor loved ones who have passed. She added that “It makes us feel really happy that the district is interested in our culture and heritage… I feel really included.” Sofia also looks up to her grandfather, who served in the Mexican military and worked hard to provide for his family. Inspired by him, Sofia dreams of becoming a teacher or instructor to help the next generation.

Sara finds joy in Día del Niño (Children’s Day), celebrated in Mexico on April 30th, a holiday she loves because of the fun and gifts it brings. She admires her dad, who “always works for us… even when he is tired, he still goes to work,” she said with a smile. Like her sister, Sara also dreams of becoming a teacher: “When I see my teachers teach, I would like to make my own way… it seems like a lot of fun.”

Both sisters remind us that heritage lives in the everyday moments through celebrations, hard work, and the values passed down from family. Their pride, gratitude, and dreams for the future are a shining example of why we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.

Lorenzo (5th grade), Victor Falls Elementary

Lorenzo, a proud fifth grader from Victor Falls Elementary School, embraces both his Mexican and Native American heritage.

For Lorenzo, family and culture come together through celebration. His family hosts big gatherings filled with delicious Mexican food, candy, and drinks to share with loved ones.

Lorenzo looks up to his grandmother, who inspires him to stay connected to his roots and motivates him to follow his dreams. Her strength and love are a big part of why he’s proud of his identity.

With a passion for nature, Lorenzo hopes to become a biologist one day. His curiosity about the world around him reflects the spirit of exploration and respect for the environment that’s deeply woven into both of his cultural backgrounds.

When it comes to food, Lorenzo says it’s hard to choose a favorite, but if he had to pick, tamales top the list!

Lorenzo’s story reminds us how family, culture, and pride come together to shape who we are and who we hope to become.

Staff spotlights

Karla Gomez, student service secretary at Sumner High School

Karla Gomez proudly honors her Mexican heritage through the values of hard work, resilience, and family. She shares that during tough times — like when her mom recovered from a serious car accident or donated a kidney to her dad — her family always came together with strength and love.

Karla draws inspiration from her parents, who worked tirelessly after immigrating to the U.S., taking on any job to create a better life for their children. “Being Mexican means working hard and never quitting, no matter how hard things get,” she says.

Now, Karla passes these values on to her two boys, teaching them determination, perseverance, and to always be proud of their culture and roots.

Elizabeth Foglesong, paraeducator at Elhi Hill High School Program 

Elizabeth celebrates her Mexican and Puerto Rican heritage by never forgetting her ancestors and the stories that shaped her family’s journey.

She draws inspiration from her parents, who modeled the strength of both cultures. Elizabeth hopes to pass on to future generations the importance of success, pride in their heritage, and carrying forward cultural traditions.

Tomas Morales, Dean of Students at Sumner Middle School

Mr. Morales is proud of his Colombian heritage and the values of hard work, joy, and community that come with it. Growing up, school was one of the most important parts of his life.

Now, as the Dean of Students at Sumner Middle School, Mr. Morales has made it his mission to be the kind of teacher and leader he needed when he was a teenager.

Mr. Morales loves the Sumner community-- the families, the culture, and the spirit that make it so special. His biggest goal is for every student to look back on middle school as some of the best years of their lives--and time when they felt supported, understood, and inspired to Dream Big!

Cynthia Elizarraras, paraeducator at Elhi Hill High School Program

Cynthia celebrates her Mexican heritage through the traditions of family unity and resilience. Growing up hearing stories of sacrifice and perseverance taught her the importance of staying connected and facing challenges together.

Her parents inspire her every day through the sacrifices they made to give their children opportunities. Cynthia hopes future generations will embrace their culture with pride and confidence, knowing that their heritage is a source of strength and beauty.

Cynthia Cuellar, school counselor at Sumner High School

Cynthia honors her Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico heritage through the story of her dad, who immigrated as a child and worked long days in nursery fields to build a foundation for his family’s future. His story of sacrifice and perseverance shaped her understanding of hard work and resilience.

She is inspired most by her dad, whose humility and dedication embody the heart of their culture. Cynthia’s hope for future generations is that they grow up with pride in their heritage and identity, celebrating it with confidence.

Student artwork

Students at DVE shared their traditions and created colorful papel picado banners in honor of the holiday. These banners are displayed in our hallway as a reminder of the creativity, pride, and community spirit that make Daffodil Valley so special. See photos in the below gallery.