Montgomery County Council Honors Hispanic Heritage Month with 12th Annual Celebration

Theme: “Legacy in Motion: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future”

The Montgomery County Council proudly hosted its 12th Annual Hispanic Heritage Month Commemoration on Tuesday, celebrating the vibrant cultures, contributions, and legacies of the county’s Hispanic and Latino communities.

This year’s theme, “Legacy in Motion: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future,” reflected both a deep appreciation for the generations who have shaped the community’s cultural identity and an inspiring look ahead at the leaders and changemakers guiding its future.

The celebration featured a colorful and lively performance by Corazón Folklórico Dance Company, a local group known for preserving traditional Latin American dance and music. Their performance, rich in rhythm and storytelling, set a festive tone for the event and honored the diversity of the Hispanic diaspora represented in Montgomery County.

A special video program complemented the celebration, highlighting stories of resilience, service, and leadership within the Hispanic community. The program featured:

  • Jefferson Reyes, recipient of the AAA School Safety Patrol Lifesaving Award, who was honored for his courageous and selfless act in protecting a fellow student from harm. His bravery exemplifies the spirit of compassion and community service that defines the next generation of leaders.
  • Gabriela Romo, a bilingual licensed clinical professional counselor, recognized for her work providing psychosocial evaluations for immigration applications. Her dedication supports families navigating complex legal and emotional challenges, reinforcing the importance of mental health and empathy in advocacy.
  • Gustavo Torres, the Executive Director of CASA, a leading immigrant advocacy organization. Torres’s decades of leadership have advanced social and economic justice for immigrant and working-class communities, helping make Montgomery County one of the most inclusive counties in the nation.

The Council also presented a formal proclamation recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month and reaffirming the county’s commitment to equity, inclusion, and opportunity for all residents.

Councilmembers emphasized that Hispanic Heritage Month is more than a celebration—it is a moment to honor the enduring impact of Hispanic and Latino residents on Montgomery County’s culture, economy, and civic life. From education and public service to the arts and entrepreneurship, their contributions continue to shape the county’s identity and future.

As the event concluded, the atmosphere was one of pride, unity, and inspiration—a reflection of the ongoing journey captured by this year’s theme: a legacy in motion, built on the past and moving confidently into the future.

This report was compiled using information from the Montgomery Community Media website. https://www.mymcmedia.org