The Spanish Club at Upper St. Clair High School is creating exciting opportunities for students to explore the cultures of Spanish-speaking countries beyond the classroom. Through engaging and interactive meetings, the club highlights the vibrant traditions, histories, and lifestyles of Latin American countries. Led by passionate student leaders, the club encourages fellow students to connect with the rich diversity of the Spanish-speaking world.
The Spanish Club typically hosts one meeting each month, with each session focused on a specific country. These meetings provide students with a chance to dive into the country’s culture, history, cuisine, and more—all in a fun, informative environment.
The most recent meeting centered around Colombia, a nation known for its rich history, diverse geography, and colorful culture. Held during ART in Ms. Sebastiao’s room, the meeting allowed students to participate without needing to stay after school. The session began with a student-led presentation that covered Colombia’s geography, historical background, famous foods, and notable landmarks.
“I chose to center this meeting around Colombia because, even though I’ve never been, I find it really interesting due to its rich history,” said Stella Birmingham, the meeting’s main organizer.
In addition to the presentation, students enjoyed snacks like plantain chips and watched a short video explaining the Spanish lyrics of Encanto in English. To wrap up the meeting, they watched the movie Encanto, which is set in Colombia and highlights aspects of the country’s culture and environment.
Looking ahead, the club is planning a potential field trip to the Latin American Cultural Center in downtown Pittsburgh—a museum dedicated to Latin American heritage and history.
“I think the museum would be a great place for the Spanish Club to visit,” said Mika, one of the trip organizers. “Not only would it help members learn more about Latin America, but it would also help strengthen the bond within the group.”
To complete the field trip experience, the club also hopes to dine at a local Latin American restaurant for an authentic cultural experience.
Club members and leaders are eager to continue these immersive experiences. By combining engaging presentations, hands-on activities, and real-world exploration, the Spanish Club stands out as a meaningful way for students to learn about cultures different from their own.
“I really like that the Spanish Club doesn’t just teach about history,” said club member Julia Campagna. “It gives people the opportunity to experience the culture in a more personal way.”
With more events and trips on the horizon, the Spanish Club continues to inspire students to appreciate and explore the vast and diverse world of Spanish-speaking countries—proving that learning a language is also about embracing the cultures behind it.