If you walked into the Student Union on Sept. 16, you probably had to squeeze your way through the crowd, that’s how packed it was. The place was standing-room-only, buzzing with excitement, music, and the smell of food that made everyone’s stomach growl.
Emcee Ruben Kihuen kept things light and fun, tossing in jokes and giving shoutouts that made the crowd laugh. Alongside co-host Lorena Rodriguez-Rios, he welcomed community leaders, dignitaries, and student voices including Councilwoman Olivia Diaz, Consul of El Salvador Silvia Mabel Romero, and Vice Consul of Mexico Jeremias Guzman with their messages of unity and empowerment drew applause as attendees nodded with pride.
The celebration featured an incredible lineup of performers who brought music, movement, and heart to the stage. Audiences enjoyed mariachi, folklórico, and cultural performances from:
Mariachi Amanecer, Sunrise Mountain High School
Mariachi Alas Doradas, Keller Middle School
Ballet Folklórico Alborada, Sunrise Mountain High School
Ballet Folklórico del Sol, Del Sol Academy
Grupo Folklórico Libertad de Las Vegas
And to close the afternoon, the crowd was treated to a powerful performance by rising star Anahi Lucero, whose voice and presence left the room cheering. She’s definitely on her way to a world tour.
Meanwhile, the smell of pupusas, empanadas, and quesadillas drifted through the air, and you could see folks getting restless in the best way. When the food finally opened up, people lined up with their tickets for plates piled high and cups of horchata and jamaica to wash it all down.
It wasn’t just a kickoff, it was a celebration of roots, of ancestors, and of a community that keeps growing stronger. You could feel the pride in the room, and it was contagious.
