Growing up in a mixed household, sophomore Phillip Ipock wanted to bring his interest in Spanish culture to the students of Legacy. Former Spanish teacher Ms. Sandra Vilarreal-Minor’s departure left National Spanish Honor Society, or La Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica, without a sponsor (SHH). After being disbanded for three years, they jump started the club on Sept. 14 by Ipock. The organization helps recognize high achievement in Spanish by students of secondary school and promotes the continuity and interest of Hispanic studies.
“I wanted to start this club basically because I feel like there’s a growing Spanish population within the MISD district,” Ipock said. “Because of that growing population, there needs to be a growing amount of organizations and services that are oriented toward those growing communities.”
The club will meet twice a month on Wednesdays from 3 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in Ms. Kristi McDonald’s room, J105. At the third meeting on Oct. 12, students will plan activities, community service and the induction ceremony.
“I am thrilled so many students are interested in it,” Ms. McDonald said. “I know that when Ms. Minor left it was hard on our department. We kinda had to restructure. [I’m] really glad we are able to pick up and restart this club she started. [I’m] looking forward to what we can accomplish this year.”
Sponsored by American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese, SHH upholds certain criteria to join: students must be a sophomore or older, currently enrolled in at least third semester of Spanish at initiation, student’s cumulative average for at least two semesters of Spanish reaches an 85, and must exhibit leadership and eagerness in participating in community service.
“I hope the club is able to make an impact in the community whether that be the Spanish speaking communities or be for the MISD district in general,” Ipock said. “Not only that, [but to] just show our support of Hispanic students and to show we are trying to make sure students are aware of the Spanish culture and Spanish heritage.”
