In high school there’s many clubs you can join so at times it makes it hard to choose the right one for you. There also are a lot of clubs like the Hispanic Heritage Club that seek to create a space for a targeted group of students, a place where those who share a culture can meet others with the same interests and take part in helping their community. 

The relatively new Hispanic Heritage Club at North Atlanta was created because of the disbanding of the school’s previous Hispanic-based club, HOPE. Senior Gabriela Varela, who is the new club’s president, saw that there was a need for new energy – and a new club – among a community she proudly calls her own. She’s been joined in her endeavors by her fellow senior Alicia Hernandez, the club’s vice president. “We felt that the past club wasn’t providing a safe space for the Hispanic population at school. Alicia and I wanted to create something that would truly bring light to issues that impact those who share our culture,” said Varela. 

Despite the club being currently led by seniors who will soon leave the school, their purpose and plan with the club will be to build a foundation to see their club sustain itself for years to come. “It’s all about finding – and projecting – our voice,” Varela said. “For too long Hispanic have not asserted their role in the life of North Atlanta. Now is the time for us to make ourselves a prominent part of all school-wide discussions.”  

The senior said that all ethnicities are invited to join the North Atlanta Hispanic Heritage Club. She said there are many times in which Hispanics do not feel seen, especially when it comes to our issues in their culture. “There’s a lot more to Latin America than just Mexico,” said Varela. “Going forward after we’ve hosted our first meeting, we want this club to be impactful throughout the year. We want to leave a legacy for the future Hispanic community at North Atlanta.”

Vice President Hernandez said she’s happy about the momentum the new club is creating around the school. “Our strength is knowing who we are and where we come from,” she said.  

What’s clear is that these two ambitious seniors have made it their mission to make sure that their fellow Hispanic students are more broadly represented. And that message is sure to produce “una fuerza positiva” that’s heard loud and clear around our school.