National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated each year between Sept. 15 and Oct.15 each year. Beaufort County Community College’s TRiO/Student Support Services program offered the campus an opportunity to participate in this special tribute by learning about culture and contributions of the generations of Hispanic and Latino Americans who have positively influenced and enriched our nation and society.

This year’s celebration included the BCCC library and College Grill. The library featured books that shared information about Hispanic culture and history. The BCCC College Grill featured a traditional Hispanic lunch selection each week.

Tashawna Scott, TRiO student development coordinator, said, “We are so thankful to Ms. Hopper and Ms. Hill for supporting the observance this year. Their enthusiasm and willingness is encouraging.”

The finale of the National Hispanic Heritage Month celebration this year was the second annual Salsa and Chips event on Oct. 15. Students from Columbia Early College High School joined other BCCC students in the festivities. BCCC’s Spanish and psychology professor, Jose Mendoza, shared information and dispelled misinformation about the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. His focus was on the strong sense of family, the strong faith, the work ethic and the collective feeling to help the community.

Mendoza and his students prepared many delicious traditional foods, drinks and desserts. The number of Hispanic and Latino students at BCCC is rising. Mendoza shared that education is considered a way to reach the “American Dream” and emphasized to the crowd the importance of the college’s slogan, “You Belong Here,” to Latino and Latina students.

TRiO/SSS provides tutoring, cultural experiences, college transfer assistance and technological support to first-generation college students, students from low-income families and students with disabilities.