When people think of October, Halloween often comes to mind first. However, the month is also recognized as National Hispanic Heritage Month and National Anti-Bullying Month. While they may seem very different from one another, they both connect to Cathedral’s core value of Inclusivity and Diversity.
Cathedral is committed to ensuring that bullying has no place in its hallways. Whether students come from a Hispanic background or any other cultural heritage, Cathedral strives to provide everyone with a welcoming environment on the Hill.
The first part of Friday morning’s assembly will be organized by the Latino Student Union, who has been working hard to plan various activities that will make students aware of the importance of recognizing Hispanic heritage. Students will enjoy a live performance by a mariachi band and have the chance to see their Hispanic classmates wearing the Quincinera dresses they wore during their 15th birthday celebration. Other Latin American traditions and cultures will be showcased, but students will have to wait and see what exactly that entails.
Matthew Gring, the Chief Mission Integration Officer and director for this portion of the assembly said, “This month is about recognizing the beauty of different cultures and the unique experiences that shape who we are. We want students to understand that everyone’s background brings something valuable to our community. It’s about celebrating those differences while also realizing how much we have in common.”
Following the Multicultural portion, the assembly will shift focus to Cathedral’s anti-bullying message, presented in a different way than in previous years. Rather than having a speaker come and talk to students about anti-bullying, this year, Cathedral has invited the No Hate Tour, a nationally recognized group of professional BMX riders sponsored by the U.S. Marine Corps. The team, which includes some X Games medalists, travels across the country not only to show off their talents, but also to spread messages about the importance of kindness, respect, and inclusion.
For the performance, the WAC will be transformed into an arena with half-pipes and quarter-pipes, extending from one side of the gym to the other, allowing the riders to perform different tricks and stunts. Between performances, the riders will share their stories and insights over the importance of stopping bullying and will challenge students to choose unity over division.
Anthony Ernst, Director of Student Activities and Camp Cathedral Programs said, “It’s easy in today’s world to tear others down. But true strength comes from lifting others up. That’s what this event is all about. It’s about realizing that diversity makes us stronger and that inclusion is something worth standing up for.”
Hispanic Heritage Month and Anti-Bullying Month remind both students and faculty that Cathedral’s mission extends beyond academics. It focuses on shaping students into individuals who respect others, embrace differences, and embody the school’s core values, particularly Inclusivity and Diversity.
