The Spanish National Honor Society is more than just a society— it is the Latino community coming together to share their language and culture while engaging in community service activities.
The American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese founded SNHS in 1953, gathering students with similar qualities to share their cultural heritage with others. Being a member of SNHS provides educational experience and enhances academic knowledge in Spanish for everyone seeking to learn it or improve their skills. SNHS was expanded to thousands of schools nationwide, representing one of the most numerous language honor societies. Our school chapter is formed by students with outstanding dedication to representing Hispanic culture.
At our school, SNHS plays a big role in the Latino community. Having access to SNHS gives us the opportunity to strengthen our leadership and, most importantly, our connection with our cultures.
During the year, SNHS hosts multiple activities at our school. The most important one is “Traveling Around the Spanish Speaking Countries”. It gives the members of SNHS the opportunity to share their heritage with the rest of our community. Our secretary, Elizabeth Aguilar, states that “My goal is for SNHS Members to connect with different Latin countries and understand the differences we have” and we can use “Traveling Around the Spanish Speaking Countries” to do that.
Members of the SNHS have an opportunity to participate in multiple projects and build strong relationships within the school. The members are able to make an impact on the Latino community and recognize our contribution in the history of the US. Every weekly meeting, service project and tutoring session showcases our connection and impact to the rest of our community.
The participation of the Latino community in the school makes it possible for the members to strengthen leadership skills and express our contribution to society. Our treasurer, Diego Contreras Blanco states that “we try to appeal more to our community and expose how amazing and important our culture is”. The members of the society are students who strive to embrace hispanic culture in positive ways. Showing our differences and sharing our culture strengthens the school’s relationship between the students.
Nuestras Metas (Our Goals)
The Goals for SNHS are to promote the vibrance of the Spanish language and culture. We want to show the Hispanic members of SNHS that they don’t have to hide and change themselves because they speak another language. Our president, Gabby Stiffler states that “I want to show the world that Latino culture is more than just the stereotype the outer world imposes on us”.
We also want to promote the knowledge and respect for hispanic culture outside of school. Our vice president, Samantha Gonzales Merchan states that “ever since I saw the SNHS group, I was moved by their passion to elevate our Hispanic community. It’s hard to feel proud of your heritage in a whole new country, and I wanted to be part of the people that made you want to be present”.
Even though we promote our culture by doing projects and services in school, we also want to be seen and recognized online. My name is Laura Polanco Sanchez and I am the publicist of SNHS and I want my word to reach the world. I use social media to promote our activities and meetings with a goal of being seen and recognized by the student body and beyond.
Joining the SNHS is a step towards self-empowerment and recognition no matter your ethnicity or your first language. To everyone who supports us we say, Gracias!