LACK OF EXPOSURE is a significant challenge when it comes to student awareness of Hispanic success, according to teacher Desiree Alba. To enhance Penn-Trafford students’ awareness of such accomplishments, Alba has put together a project that she believes will help students understand the impact of Hispanic culture. 

     This project is a wax museum of Hispanic celebrities and success stories. The students in Spanish IV class do research in order to choose one person that they would like to represent. They then put together a short writing about this person. 

     The next step is arguably what creates most of the interest. Students  present themselves as their person of choice. They learn their short speech, and get completely into character. Administrators, teachers and fellow students participate by stopping by each student to see their presentation. 

     “The idea is to try to bring awareness of Hispanics in history, and even living and diseased who have made a positive impact on the United States,” Alba said, “and [to bring] awareness of culture and diversity and the positive impact it has had on our country.”  

     Junior Liam Hileman chose to represent former Pirates outfielder Roberto Clemente. Hileman enthusiastically embraced his role. 

     “I was able to act like I was him while presenting which really gave me insight on his contributions throughout his life”. 

     Alba said she hopes students enjoy the project beyond the motivation for a good grade and that they genuinely become enthusiastic about Hispanic culture, which draws the exact impact that is the goal of the whole project.

Nate Frye, Sports Editor