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This year’s Cinco de Mayo program at Waite High School, East Toledo, was highly successful. Seniors Alysia Martin and Roger Davis educated the audience about how Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican victory at “La Batalla de Puebla” and its symbolic impact in deterring foreign invasion of the Américas.
Later during the program, the crowd was moved by the inspiring words of the Farm Labor Organizing Committee’s (FLOC) President Baldemar Velásquez, who spoke of the historical significance of the formation of this country in relation to today’s blazing immigrant issues.
The in-school program also featured a moving poetic recital by Waite High School junior and Spanish Club Vice President Arianna Hudson.
The final performance was a high-energy step demonstration by the ladies of Sigma Lambda Gamma’s Kappa Chapter from The University of Toledo. The program closed with the coronation of the 2006 Cinco de Mayo King, senior Roger Davis and Queen, junior Ashley Hartford.
Roger stated that for him the honor of being crowned king, “gives me the opportunity to display pride in my heritage and represent the Latino population at Waite.” From her perspective, Ashley shared that the winning queen, “helped display the respect that I have for Latino culture and the significance of the holiday.”
During the evening program, patrons were treated to an authentic Mexican meal of carne guisada, arroz, frijoles, and homemade tortillas—all were graciously prepared by Gloria Martínez, mother of junior Manny Martínez, and Yolanda Reyes Moreno, mother of junior Jacob Moreno.
After the wonderful meal, this year’s candidates and king and queen were presented to the audience. The rest of the evening was spent dancing and enjoying the music provided by Puro Tejano Sounds DJs Bob Rios and Celia.
As always, the Spanish Club and Hispanic Cultural Club, along with their advisors Mary Morales and me, appreciated the community support that the event received, particularly from long-standing community activists such as Charlie and Lucy Weaver.
We look forward to seeing you all next year!
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