Santa Ynez High School kicks off Hispanic Heritage Celebration ahead of first ever Hispanic Heritage Leadership Conference

SANTA YNEZ, Calif. - For Students at Santa Ynez High School, celebrating Hispanic Heritage Runs deep. 
"This event is important to me because living like I said in a predominantly white community we need to be able to bring our people together and show our representation and show that we’re here and we’re thriving," said student Ada Degollado of Santa Ynez High School.

Hosted by People Helping People, the event featured family-friendly activities including dancing, games and arts and crafts.

"This is important to me because it kind of shows who I am in a way to represent my culture as a person and I love representing stuff like this so that way we can show our community what we are actually about and how we like for everyone to join no matter what kind of culture it is," said student Ahtziry Guerrero of Santa Ynez High School.

"It’s really important for a community to have them represented. Where are over 52% in population in Solvang alone. Our student body here at the high school is 42%. So it’s really important for our community that we have a celebration like this," said inclusion program coordinator Adriana Reyes of People Helping People.

Organizers said this year students are collaborating with teachers in the festivities.

"I am so excited being from a daughter of immigrants that they came over 50 years ago we’ve never had this type of celebration in the valley. The hope of the celebration is to capture the struggle of every Hispanic community member we want to represent them and we want to celebrate with them," said Reyes.

As for the festivities, students at Santa Ynez High School say, the more the merrier. 

“My hope is that people come out of this you know more informed and with a greater love for my culture our culture and just have fun," said Degollado.