News & Events

Hispanic Heritage Month began last week, and Norfolk Academy will honor the month in a variety of ways.

The month runs from September 15 through October 15, celebrating the history, culture, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans to the United States. To start the month, Melissa Carrillo and Rachel Thompson, two of the school's new Spanish teachers, spoke in Chapels about Hispanic and Latino culture and history; more will be highlighted around campus hallways over the course of the month. In addition, Middle and Upper School students will hear a panel discussion about the month in late September.

In Lower School, second grade teacher Valerie Thornton is providing lessons at lunch.

Thompson, who teaches Upper School Spanish, earned her bachelor's degree in Spain and has led cultural immersion trips to Peru, Guatemala, Spain, and Costa Rica. Carrillo, who teaches Middle School Spanish, is Mexican-American and grew up in a largely Mexican community in California.

“Learning about different cultures can help us bridge some of the divides we see in our world today," Carrillo said during a Middle School Chapel. “Listening to truly understand can help bring us together."