Bashaw Elementary celebrates Hispanic Heritage Night in Bradenton

William H. Bashaw Elementary School third-grader Cayleigh Greer carefully put a pink band onto a small square loom at the weaving table while sharing what she learned about Sonia Sotomayor.

Sotomayor, a jurist who serves as an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the U.S., was one of the prominent Hispanic and Latino figures students learned about to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, which is from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. 

"I learned (from Sotomayor) I could dream big," said Greer, who is 8. 

During Hispanic Heritage Night Sept. 25, students displayed the projects they worked on to commemorate Hispanic figures. They made maracas, sombreros, Biblioburros and bookmarks. They also enjoyed foods from different Hispanic countries. 

With Bashaw Elementary's student population approximately 50% Hispanic, ESOL resource teacher Mariela Carrillo said the night was an opportunity for students to embrace Hispanic culture.

"It gave families the opportunity to volunteer in their kids' school," Carrillo said. "I think it's really important to show these kids the importance of embracing their culture, and not just them, but just show all our students the importance of why we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month."