CINCO DE MAYO 2024

This year's Cinco de Mayo Commemorative Program began with the Aztec Procession and Dance. Our students, dressed in colorful costumes reminiscent of the legendary ancient Aztec people, filed past our parents and visitors who had packed our auditorium to enjoy this, the 37th year our program has been put on stage.  They were followed by the first part of the dramatization of the Battle of Puebla. Different "bulletins" would follow throughout, informing everyone about the progress of that incredibly amazing Mexican victory over the mighty French Army back on May 5, 1862. Our narrators, Catalina Perez and Catalina Reyes, would keep our parents and guests informed of each beautiful song and dance they were about to enjoy, beginning with "La Jesusita de Chihuahua". A great number of the regions in Mexico were represented, not only in their dances, but in the colorful costumes that have been designed and sewn for more than twenty-five years by Ms. Maria Luviano. This year, a special raffle was held with great success for one of her beautiful dresses to raise funds for the Ballet Folklorico Las Aguilas de Oro.

We had several featured singers perform traditional favorites throughout the program. Our excellent student singers were Daniela Castillo, Caralee Antonio, Alison Hernandez, Samantha Martinez, and Pablo Ortega. Some of our very talented teachers and staff danced salsa together to the tune of "La Vida es un Carnaval", after which came an audience favorite, "Los Viejitos". A special treat ocurred when Mrs. Amanda Vasquez Monita sang "El Cascabel", accompanied by our Cinco Choir, while Ivis Texis, Geovanny Zavala, Milan Monita and Nayeli Valle danced. 

A grand finale, complete with live playing, singing, dancing, and floating confetti closed this year's program, which enjoyed brand-new lighting system for our stage. These new lights were sorely needed in order to be able to show off all the artistry and hard work of our students and staff. Many, many thanks go to our Principal Knittle, for making this happen in support of our students.

This amazing program is always a labor of love and requires a lot of effort as well as the talent and dedication of many people. We would like to thank all the performers who worked so hard for many months to learn their dances and songs. Our helpers were amazing, decorating the auditorium and organizing the costumes and props. Thank you also to the teachers who performed, and to those who helped with the dances, especially Mr. Luviano. Many, many thanks to Ms. Rodarte and Ms. Ledesma, who took care of so many details in coordinating and preparing the show. Thank you again and always to our wonderful Principal, Mr. Knittle, for always supporting us. A very special thank you goes to our Program Coordinator, Dr. Mary Velasquez, whose vision and dedication has made this program possible for the past 37 years!

Please click 2024 Cinco de Mayo Program to see the program and all its songs and dances as well as the names of all the participants.

Please click Cinco de Mayo Cover   to see the winning design for the 2024 Cinco de Mayo Program. Congratulations to the artist, Evelyn Tristan, an 8th grade student in Ms. Wanda Smith's homeroom.

Faculty dancers: Mr. Donald Boyd, Mrs. Kylene Boswell, Mr. Erick Cordova, Ms. Diana Beiza, Ms. Brittany Jennings, Mr. Adam Meza,

Mrs. Joan Fretz, and Mr. Daniel Alt.

Enjoy the photos. See you next year!