Every year from September 15 to October 15, Passaic County Technical-Vocational Schools, along with the rest of the country, celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month by honoring the community’s history, heritage, and contributions of the ancestors of American citizens who came from Mexico, Spain, the Caribbean, and South and Central America. 

The month-long celebration culminates with the highly energetic and lively PCTVS Hispanic Heritage Assembly Program featuring numerous cultural dances, songs, music, and theatrical skits all presented by our incredibly talented students, many of whom are members of the School of Performing Arts. The day’s events, sponsored by the PCTVS Hispanic Heritage Committee, are presented during six separate assemblies for different parts of the student body, teachers, and administrators. There was even a scheduled evening performance for family and friends!

Students at PCTVS have always celebrated Hispanic Heritage in a very big way with a production written, choreographed, and performed by its outstanding students. The show opened with PCTVS Performing Arts Dancers dancing down the aisles of the school’s auditorium, accompanied by the music of PCTVS’s award winning Ensemble Band. The opening number was an extremely energetic prelude to the rest of the show, which was highly entertaining and very well performed.

Won stage students explored the many rich cultures of different Hispanic Communities with short skits and readings that spoke of the traditions of the past. There were some anecdotal stories which depicted small narratives of Latin culture that were both entertaining and informative. Witty dialogue gave way to upbeat, high-energy tunes with Latin flare and dances that combined both tradition and modern style. Select students also sang Spanish ballads on stage.

Hispanic Americans have always been essential to the achievements and growth of the U.S. Their contributions to the nation are endless, and they exemplify the best of American standards and values. The Hispanic-American community has left an indelible mark on the United States economy, culture, and identity.

The annual PCTVS celebration of Hispanic Heritage is largely accredited to the instructors and students who generously donated their time in putting this incredible event together. Thank you to all those who contributed to this amazing and enlightening performance!

PCVTS students perform in the annual Hispanic Heritage Assembly Program