Imperial Valley College students celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month

IMPERIAL — For Margarita Estrada, a casual lunch turned into a music-filled afternoon when she entered the College Center at Imperial Valley College here Tuesday.

In honor of Hispanic heritage month, IVC’s Associated Student Government treated the campus community to a documentary, complementary nachos and mariachi music.

“I just happened to be walking by and heard the music,” said Estrada, a 23-year-old student, in Spanish. “I think it’s nice that they’re doing this. It’s very festive and fun.”

For ASG Senator Manuel Reyes, the event meant more than sharing a bowl of nachos with his fellow classmates.

“This is our way of informing the students about the different Hispanic cultures,” Reyes said. “Hispanic heritage month celebrates all Latin American cultures, not just Mexico’s.”

As one of the organizers, Reyes said he was happy to see the event come to life.

“The other senators and I worked together to try and get everything ready,” he said. “I’m glad people came out.

Prior to the musical festivities, courtesy of Mariachi Mixteco, the documentary “The Longoria Affair” was shown to a few students in attendance.

“It about a civil rights movement that was started in Texas,” said ASG President Lisa Tylenda. “We chose it because we thought it would be a great way to educate the students about the history of Hispanic heritage.”

As the event carried on, nearly 60 students filled the college center to listen to the mariachi and eat lunch.

“I think it’s cool what they’re doing,” said Gloria Jerez, a 19-year-old IVC student. “I like the group. They sing well.”

Staff Writer Karina Lopez can be reached at 760-337-3439 or klopez@ivpressonline.com