The artifacts laid out on the colorful table represent Oliver Arguello’s family.
A leather bag belongs to his niece, and outfits made of bright fabrics belong to his niece and nephew. The fourth grade teacher asked his sister-in-law to bring the personal items to show to his students. He said he hopes the mementos can help his students learn about other cultures beyond what they know from their own family.
“Sometimes you don’t leave those bubbles,” Arguello said. “This gives the opportunity for students to explore not only their own culture, but the other cultures that surround them.”
It comes as part of the cultural celebration that Enlace Academy, a westside charter school, has brought to its families for the last three years during Hispanic Heritage Month.
Throughout September, each student at the K-8 school had the opportunity to create their own art projects representing one of eight Latino countries displayed during the schools’ Hispanic Heritage Night. Each project was modeled after an artifact that holds meaning within different Latino cultures.
Their work included resin calaveras, or sugar skulls, from Mexico; Jalq’a textiles, or yarn paintings, representing Bolivia; and clay necklaces inspired by the Taino petroglyphs of the Dominican Republic.
The school chooses each country represented intentionally. Many Enlace students and staff trace their family heritage back to these countries.
At this year’s celebration in late September, students learned about Bolivia, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama and Puerto Rico.
More than 20 Enlace staff members have ties to Latin American countries, and more than 80% of Enlace’s students are multilingual learners.
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In addition to English, students at Enlace speak eight different languages, including Spanish, Haitian-Creole, Swahili, Vietnamese, Karen, Patois, Yoruba and Portuguese.
“They just love that we celebrate their cultures,” said Denise Hernandez, Enlace’s managing director of operations. “They feel like they belong.”
Teaching multiculturalism
The school also welcomed parents and community partners to share their culture through vendor tables with food and craft items. Each country represented brought its own flavor.
Julia Montenegro sold tostadas and arroz con leche — a popular rice pudding treat — in the school’s cafeteria. In past years, the Enlace mom has helped decorate the Nicaragua table.
Speaking to Mirror Indy through a translator, Montenegro said she chose Enlace for her two daughters based on a friend’s recommendation.
“It’s a great experience because the school is supportive of the parents,” she said.
Vanessa Monfreda, an artist with the Latino Artist Mentorship Program, led Enlace students in a collage project during the school’s Homenaje a la Herencia Hispana.
She said it’s especially important now to help young people embrace their heritage during the current political climate. Some popular events like La Plaza’s annual FIESTA celebration were canceled this year amid growing concerns nationally over anti-immigration rhetoric and federal law enforcement actions.
Monfreda, however, commended Enlace for its commitment to teaching students about multiculturalism. It’s especially important to the artist, who was born in Chile, raised in Germany and finished high school in Ecuador before eventually immigrating to Indianapolis.
“Instead of protesting, I really want to be doing stuff for the community,” Monfreda said. “It’s my way of showing the community not to be afraid, to come out.”
Enlace Principal Stephanie Campos said she similarly wants to instill that same sense of pride in her students. It’s why Enlace extends its celebration beyond just one night.
Families are invited year-round to read with kids or attend sporting events — sharing their culture along the way.
“Our events are just opportunities for our kids to feel that sense of belonging,” Campos said. “The representation is exactly what I needed as a kid.”
A correction was made on Oct. 6, 2025: This story has been updated to correct the spelling of Vanessa Monfreda’s name.
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Mirror Indy reporter Carley Lanich covers early childhood and K-12 education. Contact her at carley.lanich@mirrorindy.org or follow her on X @carleylanich.
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