Voices of Vista PEAK: Students Celebrate Hispanic Pride
“Our heritage is a gift that connects us to our past and guides our future.” This profound reflection from
Vista PEAK Preparatory (VPP) senior
Ashley Mendoza (pictured left) captures the true essence of
Hispanic Heritage Month.
For Ashley, family gatherings serve as vital links to her heritage, rich with deep-rooted traditions and cherished moments spent over meals. “Every holiday, every meal we share, carries our ancestors’ stories and wisdom. I feel a responsibility to honor them by keeping these traditions alive,” she said. Ashley is also moved by the hardworking, humble spirit of the Hispanic community, which she saw on display during a trip to Puebla, Mexico. “I witnessed the values that shaped my family and me.” These values strengthen bonds between generations, allowing Ashley to honor the past while shaping her future. Her teacher, Viviana Martinez, inspired her to embrace her Hispanic identity and integrate it into her filmmaking dreams.
But, embracing cultural pride at school can present challenges for many students. VPP senior
Gemma Flores (pictured centered) shared, “When I moved from Phoenix to Aurora, I was the only Hispanic student in my class.” She felt misplaced with deep-seated shame concerning her heritage. “I avoided wearing traditional clothing or bringing my favorite meals to school.” Thankfully, a trip back home reignited her pride. “I realized how much my culture meant to me, and I stopped hiding it.” Now, Gemma proudly brings dishes like tamales and mole to school, donning traditional
blusas with joy. She even carried the Mexican flag during VPP’s Hispanic Heritage Month assembly last year. “It was a powerful moment, symbolizing my heritage for the whole school to see.”
This year’s assembly will be equally meaningful for VPP senior
Luis David Sierra Franco (pictured centered), who has the distinct honor of showcasing his skills and elaborate garb as a traditional charro (a Mexican horseman or cowboy). “My lasso-roping performance with friends will display what being Hispanic is all about,” he said. Luis’ cultural passions extend outside of school hours. He loves spending time with animals, especially horses, competing as a charro with his family and celebrating Día de los Muertos. “We always remember someone we love dearly, and we will always remember them with love.” Inspired by his grandfather’s legacy, Luis aspires to be a welder and shared, “It would be very special to follow in his footsteps.”
VPP junior
Rociel Villanueva (pictured right) also keeps family in her heart and mind when she looks to the future. “I want to be successful and give back to my family for all that they have sacrificed.” It’s clear that family is an essential Hispanic value, but Rociel is acutely aware that her culture is muddled with misconceptions. “People often think all Hispanics come from the same country or have the same traditions. In reality, we are incredibly diverse,” she explained. “Each country has differences in cuisine, music, dialect and more.” One dialect difference Rociel finds amusing is saying “alalau” when she’s cold. Her friends are equally amused, but also confused. “I can’t explain why I say it—it’s just something that’s in my blood,” she adds playfully.
Aurora Public Schools is proud to witness such a palpable sense of Hispanic pride at Vista PEAK and throughout our district. To this we say, “¡Con ganas y corazón, sí se puede!
Enjoy each students’ full interview responses to get a more indepth look into their heritage and pride.