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Students awarded for Hispanic Heritage Month essays

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Angelique Smythe
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
On Oct. 15 students and faculty of Andersen Elementary School applauded winners of the Hispanic Heritage Month Essay contest.

In first place was Joshua Luhan, 10, son of Capt. William Lujan, 36th Medical Operations Squadron. In second and third places were Jacob Strickler, 8, son of Lt. Cmdr. Andrew Strickler, Helicopter Sea Combat Two Five Squadron, and Kora Gibson, 9, daughter of Capt. Mathew Gibson, 613th Security Forces Squadron, respectively.

Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15 each year. The national theme this year was "Hispanic Americans: Making a positive impact on American society."

"The students were tasked to write a one page essay about the theme for the year," said Staff Sgt. Duane Fish, 734th Air Mobility Squadron. "They either wrote about what the theme meant to them, or they chose a prominent Hispanic American and explained how he or she fitted the theme for the year."

This is the second annual essay contest Sergeant Fish has held at AES. Participants included third, fourth and fifth graders. Their essays were judged and graded by Sergeant Fish, his wife and AES teachers.

"I donated $100 worth of prizes for the winners," said Sergeant Fish.

Winners were awarded gift certificate prizes in the amounts of $50, $35 and $15 according to placement. And each participant received a certificate.

Hispanic Heritage Month is a time where Americans can take some extra time and effort to participate and learn about the effects of the Hispanic Americans on our culture and nation, said Sergeant Fish.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's official website, Congress authorized President Lyndon B. Johnson to proclaim National Hispanic Heritage Week in September 1968. The observance was expanded in 1988 to a month-long celebration - Sept. 15 through Oct. 15.

America celebrates the culture and traditions of U.S. residents who trace their roots to Spain, Mexico and the Spanish-speaking nations of Central America, South America and the Caribbean.

Sept. 15 was chosen as the starting point for the celebration because it is the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on Sept. 16 and Sept. 18, respectively.