Striving to showcase the Hispanic and Latino community, the club of Estudiantes Unidos (E.U) was formed. The idea of this club was started by Karla Caldwell and Jill McPherson more than 25 years ago. Caldwell just wanted a Spanish group but McPherson had a different idea. She had the idea of uniting Hispanic and Latino students and having a common goal, showing their culture to the community of RHS.
When E.U was first created the club had many ideas to show how proud they were of their culture. E.U Club danced with traditional dress and dances called Folklórico. Students would also create a dance and compete against other schools. There used to be a Principal’s Lip Sync Battle and that would help students get scholarship money. These events are what helped the students connect with each other. As the club progressed some new traditions were formed. The club started to perform at the talent show, have a Cinco de Mayo event, Dia de los Muertos altar, and Spooky Grams.
Estudiantes Unidos is an ongoing club that continues to keep their traditions, but the students make it their own every year. This year’s club president is senior Kaylee Gonzalez, who has been a part of the club for 3 years. Gonzalez decided to first join this club because she hoped to be part of a community and to improve her Spanish, and now she plays a big role for this club.
Gonzalez stated, “I just wanted to be a part of a bigger community and since it’s mainly a lot of Spanish speakers, I really hoped it would help me improve my Spanish and it did.” Her goal for the E.U club this year is to get through the year without any difficulties and to just have fun.
Some activities Gonzalez hopes they get to do are, going to the yearly college trip and their homecoming float which is really entertaining for everyone involved. The University of California Santa Cruz and the boardwalk is an event she’s very ecstatic about. Gonzalez believes the best thing about the E.U Club is how united they are. The students who are in the club are very welcoming to everyone and love to dance all the time. They have a great time together.
“Honestly it’s a great experience. I always have fun here,” stated Gonzalez.
Gonzalez hopes to get many more new members this year, especially to get more help with fun activities like their Spooky Grams and the Homecoming float. She wants more students to get to know the club and connect with other cultures.
If interested in joining the club this year you can communicate with club president Kaylee Gonzalez or club advisor Sylvia Ochoa in room F2.
