MSSD honors Hispanic Awareness Month

The Model Secondary School for the Deaf (MSSD) held its annual Hispanic Awareness Month September 15 through October 12. The month's activities made cultural learning come alive by providing students with an introduction to the Costa Rica, Argentina, and other Central and Latin American countries. The Office of Student Activities, with support from the MSSD student Diversity Club, introduced students to different cultural aspects of Latin America and Central American countries throughout the month.

Students tried their hand at creating Tres Leches, a Spanish dessert made with three kinds of milk, and sampled tapas, Latin American appetizers. They gathered in the library for Spanish language lessons, and enjoyed a round of dominoes, a traditional Latin American pastime.

Guest presenters gave students opportunities to meet and interact with Latino role models who work in a variety of professions. The events began with a presentation by brothers Alejandro and Mauricio Quesada, the director and assistant director of the Costa Rican Cultural Center. The Quesada brothers have guided several study tours of Costa Rica for Gallaudet University's first-year students. They introduced the MSSD students to the history, tourist highlights, and life of the deaf community in their country. Audience members were curious about what sign language deaf people used in Costa Rica. The brothers explained about the growth and recognition of LESCO, the Costa Rican sign language, which they said has a base of 75% American Sign Language. During Spring Break 2012, MSSD is planning to offer qualified MSSD juniors and seniors the opportunity to travel and tour Costa Rica.