Eight members of Penfield High School’s Latino Student Union (LSU) spent time with elders from St. Ann’s, spreading holiday cheer and celebrating Latin cultures.

LSU is a welcoming, student-led community where Latino identifying students and allies come together to connect, celebrate culture, and support one another. It’s a space designed so members feel seen, heard, and valued. Over the course of year, student engaged in discussions about and played various games relating to cultural holidays including el Día de los Muertos and La Navidad y el Día de Los Reyes Magos (Three Kings Day). Additionally, students attended the Latinas Unidas Luncheon, where they connected with Latino community leaders, gained inspiration, and strengthened networks.

“There are endless benefits for students when they have the opportunity to get out and connect with the community. For instance, students are able to apply their classroom knowledge to real situations, which can help to deepen their understanding,” said Anna Markey, a Spanish teacher at PSA and advisor for LSU. “Also, students are able to connect with community members and broaden their perspectives, which can lead to more empathy and compassion.”

The field trip to St. Ann’s fostered those exact connections as LSU members hosted a Parranda, a festive Christmas tradition from Puerto Rico, for participates of the Adult Day Program. Students attending the Parranda included Olivia Reed, Bayleigh Freid, Melvin Langley, Maya Scorsone, Emma Suarez Scorsone, Stella Vanderlee, Athena Ilarde, and Daranidt Peralta.

“The highlight was finding out personal details about the senior folks, like how one woman got her Christmas nails done by her daughter, and another loves doing crossword puzzles to pass the time,” said Reed, who serves as president of LSU.