YONKERS, NY — October 7, 2026 — For Hispanic Heritage Month, the halls of Roosevelt High School are alive with the sights, sounds, aromas and delicious flavors of Hispanic culture.
“I try to be festive and bring the halls to life,” said Spanish teacher Ms. Charyna Pena. “Each door is decorated with images from a Spanish-speaking country and a QR code that links to more information.”
Greeting folks as they enter Roosevelt High School is Diablo Cojuelo, a sinister-looking, red-faced devil with sharp black fangs and piercing red-and-yellow eyes. Diablo is a costume character from Dominican Carnival. He’s joined by El Lechón, another masked Carnival character with sparkling, bejeweled horns. Also gracing the lobby are colorful dresses from Spain, Colombia and Mexico.
In the morning, the enticing aroma of strong coffee and empanadas fills the air. When the bell rings, students can dance their way from class to class as music echoes through the halls. Merengue, Bachata and Salsa are the soundtrack between periods.
While many students carry flags and wear clothing from their native countries, one wears a tiara: 15-year-old Crisleidy Frias-Marte is Miss Dominican Republic of Yonkers. In a long, flowing red, white and blue Dominican folk dress, she acts as an ambassador for Hispanic Culture.
“I’m not just representing the Dominican Republic,” she said. “I’m representing the Hispanic youth in general, and it makes me proud to be an example. I want young people to embrace their heritage and be proud of their language.”
In Ms. Pena’s 12th grade Spanish class, all of her students are seeking the New York State Seal of Biliteracy. They’ve put together PowerPoint presentations that they deliver in Spanish in front of the class.
Maria Ramirez explored how, in an immigrant family, the pressure to succeed can cause mental health issues for teens. Ana Hernandez examined the harmful stereotypes that arise from soap operas and telenovelas. Catherine Garcia posed the question: should second-generation Hispanic children be encouraged to speak Spanish at home? Manuela Piedrahita looked at the hurdles that immigrants face as they strive for success.
Ms. Pena identifies with her students’ passion and their yearning for connection to their roots.
“I see myself in them,” she said. “I came to this country from the Dominican Republic when I was a teenager. I experienced the same hopes and frustrations. They are working hard to earn the New York State Seal of Biliteracy. It is important because it is official recognition of their efforts and abilities. It’s validation that their culture matters.”
