Want to gain knowledge of Latin and Hispanic cultures? Ukiah High’s Club Latino offers Wildcat Nation an opportunity to explore the traditions and ways of these cultures.
On Wednesday, September, 8th Club Latino met at lunch. Club President Maria Ceja Ayala, Club Advisor Carmen Matus, and Giancarlo Zazueta, a member of the club spoke to UHS News about the club’s importance and organization.
A fairly new member of Club Latino, Giancarlo Zazueta, says the club serves “students who are interested in learning more about Spanish and Latino culture, that’s why I joined.” Zazueta believes we as Wildcats should “educate ourselves and other people about the culture of Hispanic and Latino heritage”. He says Club Latino is a “fun group of people” and welcomes anyone who is “willing to learn and want to embrace diversity.”
Carmen Matus, who has been the advisor of Club Latino for 21 years, says the club is very supportive towards its members. For example, the club fundraises to give scholarships to seniors. Club Latino also uses the money raised to take the club on a field trip to “reward members for the work done throughout the year.” Mrs. Matus also adds that the club aids the community by “taking part in river clean-ups around the community.”
The current president of the club, Maria Ceja Ayala, has been part of Club Latino since her freshman year. She likes how the club enables her to “help people feel comfortable with helping others.” Ayala communicates that all Wildcats are welcome regardless of race or ethnicity. Club Latino allows Wildcats to “meet upperclassmen and create new friendships among their peers,” Ayala said.
For Wildcats interested in joining the ranks of Club Latino, they meet at lunch on Wednesdays in Room G4 and welcome anyone that’s interested.
