By Darshini Dayanidhi & Younes Ahmed
A new club is making its way into East, offering students a space to celebrate culture, build community, and learn something new. Latino Club, started by sophomores Ben Liguicot and Aristotle Agelis, officially opened its doors this year with a focus on sharing Latino traditions and perspectives with the larger student body.
The idea for the club came from a desire to highlight the diversity within Latino culture. “South America has a lot of different cultures, traditions, and countries,” Ben explained. “Some of them are really distinct from each other. We wanted to give that perspective and let everyone at East know we’re here.”
The club meets primarily in the library, although some meetings may take place in other rooms depending on availability. Meetings are scheduled every other week, though the schedule may shift slightly based on the advisor’s, Mrs. Weber’s, availability.
One of the most unique aspects of Latino Club is its emphasis on student input. Members are encouraged to share ideas through polls and questions on Google Classroom, creating a space where everyone has a voice. “Anyone can contribute,” Ari said. “If someone has an idea, they can share it and we’ll build off of that.”
The activities planned reflect the club’s goal of bringing people together in an engaging way. Cultural games like Lotería, watching soccer matches, and sharing food are all part of the exciting experience. The club also plans to follow major events like the UEFA Champions League, using them as opportunities to connect over a shared interest in sports.
Beyond activities, the club focuses on what brings people together across cultures. “Food is a big part of Latino culture,” Ari said. Camarone shrimp (or Gambas al Ajillo), white rice, beans, fajitas and so much more are sampled in the club.
The leadership structure reflects an incredibly inclusive mindset. While there are co-presidents and officers, like Ari and Ben, the founders emphasized that there is no strict hierarchy. Every member is seen as equally important in shaping the club’s future goals and direction. The advisor, Mrs. Weber weighed in and stated, “I’ve been really impressed with the leaders in Latino Club so far…they work hard and make the experience fun for everyone.”
For students interested in joining, the message is simple: everyone is welcome. Latino Club aims to create an environment where students can learn, connect, and celebrate culture together.
As the club begins to grow, its founders hope it will become a space where traditions are shared and new connections are made, adding another layer of diversity and community at WEHS!