Moravian Academy in Action
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month at Moravian Academy
Moravian Academy is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month by recognizing the history, culture, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities in the United States and across the Americas.
Observed annually from September 15 to October 15, Hispanic Heritage Month begins on a date that holds special significance. September 15 marks the independence anniversaries of Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica. Mexico celebrates its independence on September 16, followed by Chile on September 18.
This year's national theme, "Unidos, Somos Más" (United, We Are More), highlights the strength found in community, connection, and shared experiences.
Throughout the month, students will learn about influential Hispanic and Latino Hidden Figures whose achievements have shaped fields ranging from science and technology to education, civil rights, and the arts. To begin the celebration, Moravian Academy is highlighting several innovators, leaders, and changemakers whose contributions are not always widely recognized.
Guillermo González Camarena:
A Mexican engineer and inventor, González Camarena developed one of the world's earliest color television systems. His passion for technology began young. At age 12, he built a radio transmitter from broken toy parts, and by 23 had patented a groundbreaking color television system.
Luis von Ahn:
Guatemalan computer scientist Luis von Ahn helped create CAPTCHA, the familiar "prove you're not a robot" test used across the internet. He later founded Duolingo, now the world's most widely used language-learning app.
Ángela Ruiz Robles:
Long before modern tablets and e-readers, Spanish teacher Ángela Ruiz Robles was rethinking how students accessed information. In 1949, she patented the Enciclopedia Mecánica, a device that allowed students to scroll through lessons mechanically rather than carry multiple textbooks.
Ellen Ochoa:
Engineer, inventor, and astronaut Ellen Ochoa became the first Hispanic woman in space when she flew aboard the space shuttle Discovery in 1993. Prior to joining NASA, she earned patents for optical systems used in space imaging and later served in leadership roles within the agency.
Antonia Pantoja:
Puerto Rican educator and civil rights leader Antonia Pantoja dedicated her life to expanding educational opportunities for Latino students. She founded ASPIRA in 1961, an organization focused on leadership development and academic success, and became the first Puerto Rican woman to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1996.
Together, these stories reflect the spirit of this year's theme, "Unidos, Somos Más," highlighting how innovation, leadership, and perseverance across generations have helped shape our communities and our world. Language keeps that spirit alive at Moravian Academy through our Spanish Immersion Program at the Historic Downtown Campus and Spanish language classes across all three campuses. Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, we celebrate the cultures, histories, and contributions that enrich our community and deepen our global understanding.
