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Week Two | Faculty and Student Voices | Hispanic Heritage Month

  • 09/22/2023
  • Author: Michela W. (2024), Ari C. (2024), Anders W. (2024), Annette Galindo (Faculty)
  • Category: Student Voices

At The Northwest School, we value the diversity of all our students, faculty, staff, and families. We recognize and appreciate the many ways that Hispanic Americans have enriched our school with their talents, creativity, and passion. We also acknowledge the challenges and struggles many Hispanic Americans have faced and continue to face in our society.

During this month, we invite you to learn more about Hispanic heritage and culture. Here you can explore the stories and achievements of inspiring Hispanic Americans and members of our community. We hope this month will inspire you to celebrate our school's and nation's diversity and appreciate our differences, beauty, and strength.

Happy Hispanic Heritage Month! ¡Feliz Mes de la Herencia Hispana!

Annette Galindo (Faculty)

By Michela W. (2024)

Annette Galindo has been the language department chair at the Northwest School for four years. She is a beloved Spanish teacher who has significantly impacted the school community. Annette was born and raised in Puerto Rico for the first 16 years of her life before moving to the New York/New Jersey area. Although she hasn’t lived there since her teenage years, her Puerto Rican identity remains very special to her.

Picture taken in Córdoba (2023) Spain Immersion Trip

During her time at the Northwest School, Annette has played a crucial role in transforming the modern language department to be more inclusive of different identities and cultures. She brings her Puerto Rican perspective and culture into the classroom, providing students with a well-rounded language education beyond grammar rules.

Annette believes one of the most significant impacts she can make is being a positive role model for Latino/Latinx students. Seeing Latinos in leadership positions can inspire students and give them the confidence they need to pursue their dreams. Annette’s dedication to representation in all fields is crucial to the growth and development of students.

It’s beautiful seeing educators like Annette make a difference in their communities.

Geyciel Ceja (2024)

By Ari C. (2024)

Here’s a summary of what Geyciel shared:

  • Name: Geyciel Ceja

  • Place of Birth: Seattle

  • Family Origin: Her parents are from Mexico and El Salvador.

  • Years in the USA: She has been in the United States her whole life.

  • Years at The Northwest School: She has been at The Northwest School for four years

One of the most meaningful experiences Geyciel has had at The Northwest School was going on the Spain Immersion Trip. This trip allowed her to explore the country that colonized her ancestors and discover the similarities between cultures. It also provided an opportunity to connect with new people.

Thank you Geyciel for sharing your story! It’s wonderful to hear about her experiences and how they have shaped her time at The Northwest School.

Justin Castro (2024)

By Anders W. (2024)

It was great to learn more about Justin! He has had a diverse and enriching experience at The Northwest School. Here’s a summary of what Justin shared:

  • Name: Justin Castro de Jesus

  • Place of Birth: Arizona

  • Current Residence: Burien, Washington

  • Family Origin: Guerrero, Mexico

  • Years in the USA: He has been in the United States since he was born, and his family immigrated here before that.

  • Years at The Northwest School: He has been at The Northwest School for four years, starting in ninth grade.

One of the most meaningful experiences Justin had at The Northwest School was when the affinity spaces organized a multi-cultural night. It was an opportunity to explore different cultures and enjoy diverse foods.

Justin, thank you for sharing your story! It’s wonderful to hear about your positive experiences and how they have shaped your time at The Northwest School.

Sylvia Rivera

By Annette Galindo (Faculty)

“We have to be visible. We should not be ashamed of who we are. We are numerous. There are many of us out here.”

Venezuelan- and Puerto Rican-American Sylvia Rivera was an LGBTQ rights pioneer. New York City’s Stonewall Inn is now a historic landmark and destination for Pride celebrations, but in 1969, brave patrons like Rivera were resisting an unlawful raid by police. 

The riots at Stonewall were a turning point in history for equal rights. Rivera went on to be the co-founder of the Gay Liberation Front. The Sylvia Rivera Law Project, which provides legal representation and support to all those in the trans, non-binary, and non-gender conforming communities, was established in 2002 shortly after her death.

Source: Readers Digest