Written by: Alma Rock
Thanks to a generous grant from The Raul Tijerina Jr. Foundation, Harlingen CISD’s Multi-Language Department hosted the 2nd Annual The Power of La Quinceañera Conference, a culturally meaningful endeavor developed to empower and celebrate our female emergent bilingual students in their freshman year of high school.
The event took place on Thursday, March 7, 2024 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Dr. Abraham P. Cano Freshman Academy.
This unique conference provided 90 quinceañeras with an opportunity for reflection, growth, and planning for the future while celebrating their birthday milestones but with a twist.
The event’s goal was to reinforce our students’ mindset, giving them the opportunity to reflect on their future and understand they have control over themselves and their educations. Students participated in activities focused on topics such as Self-Management and Relationship Skills; Career and College Readiness; Financial Success; and Appreciation for Yourself.
“In our culture, Quinceañera celebrations hold a special place. But with this event, we’re taking it a step further than just the traditional pink dresses and having a big party. Our main purpose is to empower these young ladies to dream beyond 9th grade and high school. We want to focus on what’s in their hearts and show them that there are many people supporting them and that success is within their reach,” shared Mrs. Norma G. Garcia, Director of Multi-Language.
Wearing matching t-shirts and tiaras, the quinceañeras participated in various activities led by Dr. ET & Company. These consisted of breakout sessions, hands-on activities, dance breaks, and opportunities to take pictures to capture the event. Students were treated to a healthy snack courtesy of the Cano Academy Child Nutrition team, a delicious sit-down lunch, and various desserts. Colorfully decorated tables and chairs set the scene for a festive atmosphere reminiscent of a classic quinceañera celebration. A dazzling illuminated “15” sign stood out as the perfect spot for capturing memorable photos.
“I hope that they take away with them the power they have within themselves of being bilingual first of all, the power of being women, of being independent. Loving oneself is crucial; one doesn’t need external validation to do so. Learning to be confident and believe in yourself, walking into a room and not feeling like you have to shrink for anybody. It’s all about empowerment. We just need one person to tell us that we are bright, that we are smart, and that we can handle this, and we can take part in any situation and make it happen,” said Dr. ET, our Madrina de Honor and Keynote Speaker.
As part of the Quinceañera celebration, each student received a special gift, a regalo sorpresa. These were made possible through the generosity of various community members and businesses that served as our students’ madrinas and padrinos.
At the end of the event, students were presented with a certificate recognizing their completion of the conference.
“Our quinceañera celebration was a success,” said Mrs. Garcia. “As our second event, it’s a testament to our commitment to continue providing this empowering experience to our girls. More than a conference, it was an opportunity to impact our students and remind them that they matter, that they are good enough, and that they can achieve success. They need to believe in themselves to succeed, and it’s up to us as educators to help them do that.”
Harlingen CISD and the Multi-Language Department express their gratitude to The Raul Tijerina Jr. Foundation and all of our sponsors for their support and for making this conference possible.
