By Jack Orloff
Austin ISD students finished Hispanic Heritage Month with 78 displays of student talent across 39 schools.
From dancing to singing to works of visual art, this celebration was part of the “Proud to be Hispanic” virtual talent show.
"There is so much to like about this contest, and we are so grateful to be awarded," said Alana Urbano, Hart Rocket Choir musical director. "We had a blast learning a new song that embodies Hispanic Culture."
The entries with the most positive reactions on the Educa Austin Facebook page were named winners of their category and received over $2,000 in prizes.
Overall, 29 visual entries and 49 performance videos reached 165,000 people, receiving 11,500 likes, 1,000 shares and 1,900 comments.
Each award category was introduced by a special guest, including Olivia Tamzarian from the Mexican American Cultural Center, Jesus Chacon from Roy Lozano's Ballet Folklorico de Texas, Consul Jose Manuel Munoz Puente, musician Mauricio Callejas, and former host at Univision Leslie Montoya.
Singer and songwriter Mauricio Callejas said preparing for the talent show is much more involved than just creating a short video.
"I am very impressed with the amount of talent that everyone submitted," Callejas said. "I commend you because it's not easy to put together a one-minute video because that translates to hours, days, and even years of work. Everyone's progress moves me. You are sharing your beauty and also your heritage to the world.”
Congratulations to the winners of this year’s "Proud to be Hispanic" virtual talent show.
Class Performance: Hart Elementary Choir, Percussions Ensemble and Ballet Folklorico, under the direction of music teacher Alana Urbano
Art: Antonio Avendaño Jr, 10th grader from Austin High School
Dance: Castaneda sisters-Blazer Elementary students Isabella-5th, Gracelena-4th, Camilla-2nd, and Leia-Kindergarten
Singing: Aida Ortiz, 8th grader from Bertha Sadler Means YWLA
Music: Lia Rodriguez, 4th grader from Galindo Elementary School
Join The Fiesta: Edith Flores, Odom Elementary School, Jacob Nelson, 10th grader from LASA.