ORIGINS OF THE WA-HI LATINO CLUB
The Walla Walla High School Latino Club's origins go back to the fall of 1992 when a group of WA-HI Latino/a students were encouraged to petition the Wa-Hi ASB to establish a Latino Club at the High School.
In November of that year, the Walla Walla Union Bulletin wrote a lengthy article “A place for us" about the students and the hope they had for the Club. (See below).
We also have had some input from original members including pictures and the news articles about the Club's establishment.
Link to view Pictures: https://www.exploring-311.com/446474182
Things to note: in 1991, Latino/a population represented 15% of the schools 1,700 student population. In 2019, the Latino/s represented 39.4% of the Wa-Hi student population.
Union Bulletin Article which appeared in Nov. 1992 (?) highlighting the establishment of Latino Club at Walla Walla High School. See text below to read article.
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Latino Club Student Receives Scholarship from St. Paul's Episcopal Church
At our regular Latino Club meeting on Thursday, June 2nd, Sandra Blackaby from St. Paul’s Episcopal church announced that Tiffani Carrillo is a recipient of a $1,000 scholarship as part of their congregation’s outreach program.
Tiffany, a senior at Walla Walla High School, has been part of the WA-HI Latino Club since her freshman year and has been involved in our County Fair activities, AAUW Book Sale set up and other service projects, as well as the Skyline Adventures/Ski Bluewood Program.
Recently, Tiffani realized that she has a passion for education and wants to be an elementary school teacher. After graduation from high school, she plans to attend Walla Walla Community College and then Washington State University, Tri-Cities to finish her degree.
During the presentation, Tiffani expressed her appreciation to the St. Paul’s Church Scholarship Program to help support her future education. Sandra Blackaby also stated that this scholarship is renewable for up to five years as Tiffani progresses through her college education.
This is the second year that St. Paul’s church has provided a scholarship to a member of the WA-HI Latino Club. In 2021, a scholarship was awarded to Perla Olmos-Alfaro. June 11/2022
Latino Club History - March 27, 2013 - Nobel Peace Prize winner Rigoberta Menchú visits WA-HI and meets with Latino Club Students. Latino Club was able to present Ms. Menchú with a WA-HI Latino Club sash which is made of fabric from her home country, Guatemala.
March 27, 2013 -Noble Peace Prize Winner Meets with WA-HI Students
On March 27, 2013, WA-HI Latino Club hosted a visit from 1992, Noble Peace Prize Laureate, Rigoberta Menchú from Guatemala.
During her visit she talked to two of Mr. Reyes’s Spanish for Spanish Speaker’s classes about her work as a social justice advocate for indigenous people.
She was in Walla Walla as a speaker at Whitman College that evening. One of her requests while she was in Walla Walla was to have an opportunity talk to students.
In 1992, she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her work for social justice and ethno-cultural reconciliation based on respect for the rights of indigenous peoples.
Read the Release by the Noble Prize Committee: https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/peace/1992/press-release/
Union Bulletin March 28, 2013 Article:
Posted: August 25, 2020
Congratulations to Wa-Hi Latino Club Advisor Melito Ramirez for receiving the national RISE Award yesterday. He is the first recipient of this prestigious award. The US Department of Education released the story moments ago. http://ow.ly/ORna50EPvmw
Yesterday Superintendent Reykdal, Secretary of Education Cardona, and Walla Walla Superintendent Dr. Wade Smith surprised Walla Walla High School Intervention Specialist Melito Ramirez with the national Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) award.
The Official Game Day Seahawks
12th Man Video
12/6/2020
https://www.seahawks.com/video/2020-week-13-12-flag-raiser-washington-state-educators
"Walla Walla High School Intervention Specialist Melito Ramirez, who was recently named the 2020 Washington Classified School Employee of the Year, has been invited by the Seattle Seahawks to virtually raise the “12th Man Flag” for Sunday’s game against the New York Giants.
Melito Raises the 12th Man Flag for the Upcoming Seahawks Game!!
WA-HI Graduate of Distinction (2009), Latino Club Role Model, Passes Away
April 2020
WA-HI Latino Club has a past association with the noted artist and muralist.
Besides being a frequent visitor to Club meetings, in 2009, the WA-Hi Latino Club nominated Daniel DeSiga, Class of 1967 to be a Walla Walla Public Schools Graduate of Distinction. He was awarded the honor on June 2, 2009.
Union Bulletin Article: A colorful life: Latino artist Daniel DeSiga remembered
WA-HI Latino Club members and advisors with Walla Walla School District, Graduate of Distinction recipient Daniel DeSiga - June 2, 2009 Reception
Latino Club History - Christine Chávez, granddaughter of César Chávez Comes to WA-HI
This WA-HI Latino Club historical moment goes back to October 18, 2008 when the regular club meeting’s guest speaker was Christine Chávez, granddaughter of César Chávez.
She was in Walla Walla as the featured speaker of WWCC’s “Education”: The Road to Justice and Power program that evening. She spoke of the struggle, impact, and legacy of her grandfather. She still speaks of her experiences though out the U.S.
2017 Bio –
https://info.umkc.edu/unews/umkc-welcomes-christine-chavez-granddaughter-of-civil-rights-icon/
YouTube Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=30&v=4u6vuLwpFDM&feature=emb_title
Latino Club History - Oct. 18, 2008 Club meeting - Christine Chávez - Granddaughter of César Cházez
Latino Club History - One Year ago - July 21st- Eight Latino Club Members Attend the World Scout Jamboree
LATINO CLUB HISTORY - On July 21st, 2019, eight Latino Club members left Walla Walla for Beckley, West Virginia to attend the 21st World Scout Jamboree. Attendees included over 45,000 people from 169 different countries.
To take a look back check out the links:
https://www.exploring-311.com/441233572
Be sure to check out the Youtube links in the article!
Posted July 17, 2020
WA-HI LATINO CLUB - "The Community Pride Club" Union Bulletin Nov. 13, 2012
Another look at WA-HI's Latino Club history from 2012. The Walla Walla Union Bulletin highlights the theme and purpose of the Club's efforts of "building a wave of college acceptance" under the leadership of Club President Brenda Lopez. Brenda, after graduation went on to Washington State University and earned a degree in education.
To read the article online: https://www.union-bulletin.com/news/the-community-pride-club/article_252d4102-d3cd-5a98-b9f8-4a27f3ec7b3c.html
Posted 6/30/20
