Owens Elementary School recently celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with a special reading experience that brought together students and members of the local community. Thanks to the amazing help, dedication, and support of Nancy Rangel, an Owens mom and valued community member, Librarian Stephanie Ginn and Library Assistant Ashley Bush were able to welcome a total of 21 community leaders to the library throughout the week.
Community members visited the library to read books to classes, giving students the opportunity to hear stories that celebrate Hispanic culture, history, traditions, and the many contributions of Hispanic and Latino people.
We are grateful for the following community members who volunteered their time to read with our students:
Nancy Valle – Real Estate Investor & Entrepreneur
Dolores Price – Northeast Texas Health District
Jonathan Barena – Northeast Texas Health District
Shannon Dacus – Attorney at The Dacus Firm
Eleno Licea – Tyler ISD Board Trustee
Lourdes Esparza – Owner of Jewelev
Vanesa Olvera – Digital Producer/Anchor at Telemundo
Nancy Rangel – President and CEO of Tyler Hispanic Business Alliance
Monique Hammond – Attorney at Hammond Law Firm
Melannie Cuellar – Associate Attorney at Hammond Law Firm
Nayeli Carrillo – News Reporter at CBS19
LeeAnna Freeman – Community Member
Minnie Cravens – CEO of City Employees Credit Union
Bianca Smedley – Community Response Officer, City of Tyler
Cynthia Martinez – Executive Director for International Programs at UT Tyler
Jessica Chandarlis – Associate Director for International Programs at UT Tyler
Ivette Zavarce – Director of Marketing & Outreach, Fuzion Radio
Jesus Martinez – Anchor for CBS18
Kristen Wrenn – Owens Elementary Counselor
Jeremy Garza – Account Executive at Lamar Advertising
Judith Ramos – Project Manager at UT Southwestern Medical Center
The library was filled with excitement as students gathered to listen to each guest reader. The celebration provided more than just an opportunity to enjoy a good book. It also helped students see the importance of representation and learn about cultures and experiences that may be different from their own. Through stories, students were able to make connections, ask questions, and celebrate the rich diversity within their own community.
The Hispanic Heritage Month reading celebration was also a wonderful example of what can happen when a school and its community come together. The time, energy, and enthusiasm shared by each volunteer helped create a memorable experience for Owens students.
Owens Elementary is proud to celebrate the diverse backgrounds and cultures that make our school community special. This special reading celebration was a wonderful reminder that books can bring people together, open our minds, and help us learn from one another.
