CRESTVIEW — For David Knight, choosing from the vast buffet at the Hispanic Heritage Month Fiesta eventually boiled down to a simple solution.
The Crestview High School senior simply loaded his plate with a little bit of everything.
“This food is delectable,” David said as he also loaded a plate for his friend, junior Nicole Toliver, who held David’s seat during his trek down the more than 50-foot table.
PHOTOS: See 35 photos from the Crestview High Hispanic Fiesta >>
Food from multiple Latin American countries was one part of the Oct. 23 event hosted by the school’s Spanish Club, but for club President Alison Drummer, it’s an important component.
“I’ve been in love with the Spanish Club since I joined it,” Alison, a senior, said. “And I help do this fiesta because I love Miss (Spanish teacher Elizabeth) Rivera. I love doing it”
The club includes five or six native Spanish speakers, Alison said.
“They help the rest of us learn Spanish,” she said.
MUSIC AND DANCING
Entertainment included traditional dances by members of the Panamá: Orgullo y Esplendor dance troupe, whose flowing, colorful traditional skirts accentuated their graceful movements.
Troupe adviser Estella Lopez said the kids helped make their own clothes, which were accented with authentic accessories sent from Panama. Members include students from Crestview High, Davidson and Shoal River Middle Schools, and Lakewood Christian School.
Former “Latin American Idol” star Amid Montelongo, whose hit solo in his native Mexico, “Una Palabra,” propelled him onto the TV show, drew attendees to the dance floor with a concert that included “Tired of Being Sorry,” a song from his forthcoming second album.
Following the performance, adviser Rivera presented Montelongo with honorary membership in the Spanish Club.
With cultural displays including a table about El Salvador and one featuring Hispanic food available at Publix, the evening was an opportunity for students, parents and educators to follow the advice of keynote speaker Yolanda Castille, a retired U.S. Marine first sergeant and Crestview High teacher.
“Please embrace and enjoy the ethnic cultural diversity in our country,” Castille said.
Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Brian Hughes, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Annual Hispanic heritage celebration a time for food, music and culture