Surrounding a table with colorful flags representing their different cultures, a group of upper school students discussed the best ways to bring help to Puerto Rico in the wake of Hurricane Ian. The gathering took place in an upper school classroom on Wednesday, September 28. 

A food drive or clothing drive were some of the ideas the students tossed around. This effort would be one of the first initiatives organized by the newly created Hispanic/Latinx affinity group at King School. 

The group met for the second time since the students announced its launch during an assembly held on September 16, coinciding with the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs every year from September 15 to October 15.

“We thought it was important to create a safe space for Hispanic descent at King, so we could talk and come together,” said Alex Ramos ’25, one of the group’s members. 

The newly created affinity group aims to provide a safe space for students who identify as Hispanic or Latinx to share and celebrate their heritage. Members of the group have begun to plan activities for the year to raise cultural awareness and help Hispanic communities in need.

For Sofia Acosta ’25, the group also provides an opportunity to raise awareness, “feeling safe in your shoes and proud of who you are,” she said. “We can celebrate where we are from and our traditions.”

“It’s important to educate people in our school who aren’t of our ethnicity and who may be interested in learning about cultures. With this affinity group, we can help achieve that,” added Ignacio Silvagni ’24.

Born in Venezuela and in her first year at King, Arts and Design teacher Corina Alvarezdelugo says she is thrilled to serve as the group’s faculty advisor. 

“I’m going to be 100% behind them to make sure that they get a safe space, the promotion of our culture, and help many of our countries that are in need. Whatever we can do from here could make a difference, said Alvarezdelugo.