September 15 of each year marks the anniversary of independence for five Hispanic countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico achieved independence on September 16 while Chile gained independence on September 18.
Hispanic Heritage Month for Kids
During the parade, students carried international flags around the fenced playground as music blared from a speaker. Many were handed 2015 Honduras calendars as a keepsake.
The celebration was also a learning experience.
"The teachers did activities with the kids and every grade level chose a country for research," said Ms. Martinez, East Campus parent liaison. "The celebration broadens the education of our students."
More than 80 percent of East Campus students come from Spanish-speaking families.
According to the 2010 U.S. Census, 50.5 million people or 16% of the population are of Hispanic or Latino origin. This represents a significant increase from the 2000 Census, which registered the Hispanic population at 35.3 million or 13% of the total U.S. population.