Vista Grande holds second annual Heritage Day for students

RIO RANCHO — On Sept. 27, Vista Grande Elementary School held its second annual VGE Heritage Day late last month, where students and staff celebrated their respective heritages.

“It’s truly one of my favorite days at VGE. This event started because we wanted to celebrate all the diverse cultures represented at our school, and it was perfect to plan during Hispanic Heritage Month as well,” Principal Christine Prescott said. “Celebrating the heritage of our students and staff is something we do all year round, but this day is particularly special because it is so inclusive of everyone.”

The day included a “Heritage Parade,” which was led by two students, Harley and Brooklyn Saiz, who are both from the Zia Pueblo.

“They wore beautiful traditional clothing from their pueblo — even with our school colors: red and purple,” Prescott said. “It was a beautiful event to celebrate each other.”

Students and staff wore traditional clothing, colors and symbols that were representative of their own heritage. During the parade, some even carried flags.

Around 200 students and staff participated in the heritage parade and proudly walked through the halls of VGE.

Also in attendance were students from the Asian Pacific Islander Student Union from Cleveland High School and storyteller Michael Garcia, who spoke to students throughout the day.

“Our Grizzlies loved hearing the high school students and Mr. Garcia. Such a treat! Staff also had fun activities planned during the day in their classrooms,” Prescott said.

Some Native American communities represented included the Navajo Nation, Jemez Pueblo and Santa Ana Pueblo. Countries represented included India, Mexico, Spain, Ukraine, Ireland, Pakistan, Morocco, Croatia and more.