Delaware Tech celebrates the Day of the Dead
(Photo by T. Papova)
Sugar Skulls displayed in the Dining Hall
By Tatsiana Papova
Delaware Technical Community College, Owens Campus, celebrated Día de los Muertos by hosting a Sugar Skull decorating contest in the Student Services Center on Oct. 8.
The event was featured by the Global Understanding Series, in collaboration with Hispanic Heritage Club, as one of the Hispanic Heritage Month activities. It included a presentation, a workshop, and a contest judged by Owens Campus Marketing Department.
The winners were announced and displayed on Oct. 27 at Día de los Muertos Fiesta in the Dining Hall.
After a brief presentation by Hispanic Heritage Club President Itzel Hernandez, the participants started working on their Sugar Skull designs for the competition. The supplies were provided by Hispanic Heritage Club sponsoring the event.
International Education Coordinator Amy Russell, one of the organizers of the contest, said the Hispanic Heritage Month is an important intercultural project that takes place every fall and encourages active participation by students and staff.
“We are trying to host more events where people make tangible things while they learn about the background behind them,” Russell said. “We are hoping that the creativity will connect people of different cultures.”
Cindy Morales, biotechnology student, attended the event because both of her parents are Hispanic: her father is from Mexico, and her mother is from Guatemala. Morales said even though she was born in the United States, Hispanic traditions mean a lot to her and her family.
“Events like this one help people understand other cultures, expand their knowledge, and honor other people’s heritage,” Morales said.
Virginia Gaspar, early childhood education student, saw the contest announcement and decided to join. Both of her parents are from Mexico, and Gaspar came to the event to honor her roots.
“I’m really surprised with this workshop. I didn’t expect this much participation,” Gaspar said.
Gaspar ended up receiving an honorary mention and a prize along with other winners:
1st place with a prize of $50 gift card - Deaf Culture Club
2nd place with a prize of $35 gift card - Honorio Velasquez
3rd place with a prize of $25 gift card - Kimberly Bailey
Honorary mention with a prize of $15 gift card - Virginia Gaspar and Colby Herd.
“I was really blown away by how nice the skulls turned out,” Russell said. “The event went even better than we planned.”
For more information on upcoming Hispanic Heritage Month events, contact Amy Russell at amy.russell@dtcc.edu or Itzel Hernandez at ihernan3@dtcc.edu.
(Photo by T. Papova)
Virginia Gaspar making her way to the honorable mention
(Photo by T. Papova)
Cindy Morales working on her Sugar Skull design
(Photo by T. Papova)
Workshop: participants decorating Sugar Skulls
(Photo by T. Papova)
Presentation by Itzel Hernandez
(Photo by T. Papova)
Contest winners: Itzel Hernandez representing Colby Herd, left, Deaf Culture Club, second from the left, Honorio Velasquez, middle, Kimberly Bailey, second from the right, and Virginia Gaspar, on the right