A Celebration of Culture and Commitment

Bessemer City High School buzzed with energy as it hosted a vibrant Hispanic Heritage Night Oct. 9., wrapping up the district's observance of Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15 - Oct. 15). The event drew approximately 75 attendees to the high school.

The purpose of the evening was multifaceted: to celebrate the rich culture and diversity of the Bessemer Hispanic and Latino communities and to provide resourceful information to parents. The event was framed as a celebration of identity, resilience, and tradition, serving as an invitation to honor the past while embracing the vibrant ways Hispanic heritage continues to shape the present.

A key focus of the night was the district's commitment to its English Language Learner (ELL) students. Informational resources were shared with families to assist their children with support services, aiming to meet all the needs of the ELL student population. Furthermore, the event spotlighted the district's dedication to providing high-quality instruction that supports student learning and increases English proficiency.

Kimberly Hunter, the district's new ESL district specialist, emphasized her dedication to the growing ELL community:

"I am both humbled and excited to serve our large ELL population. Each day provides an opportunity to learn, grow, and better understand the diverse needs of our students,” said Hunter. “My focus is on increasing their English proficiency by fostering strong instructional support, creating equitable access to language-rich learning environments, and building collaborative partnerships with teachers and families."

Bessemer City Schools thanks the sponsors for this event: Los Sombreros, a local Mexican restaurant in Bessemer located at 5031 Ford Parkway #107; Bimbo, one of the largest bakeries in the world; and Mi Pueblo Supermarket located in Pelham at 3060 Pelham Parkway. These sponsors helped to create a memorable night. 

The evening provided a blend of cultural enrichment and practical support, featuring food and fun alongside the distribution of essential information, reinforcing the Bessemer City Schools’ pledge to support its diverse student body.