Norwalk Schools Close Hispanic Heritage Festival at Brien McMahon

Norwalk Public Schools concluded its fifth annual Hispanic Heritage Festival on Thursday, Oct. 22, inside the Brien McMahon High School auditorium. The free gathering ran from 5:45 p.m. to 8 p.m. at 300 Highland Ave. under the theme “Unidos Somos Más,” which translates to “united, we are more.” A host guided the crowd through a call-and-response segment that drew vocal participation from the audience.

Performances by students across the district anchored the evening’s program. The Brien McMahon Honors Ensemble opened the night, followed by a middle school orchestra that played “Havana.” A middle school choir ended the show to loud applause. Video recordings from three elementary schools also aired during the event: Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy, Naramake Elementary School, and Rowayton Elementary School.

Students presented a segment on the life of Ellen Ochoa, who was born in Los Angeles in 1958. In 1993, Ochoa became the first Hispanic woman to travel into space. She flew four missions and later led NASA’s Johnson Space Center. The student presenters noted that her story demonstrates how hard work and preparation can help people reach large goals.

Following the performances, families interacted with community partners and viewed student artwork. Food trucks parked outside the venue offered meals to attendees. The event marked the fifth year of the celebration in the district.