Rochelle Nielsen – 9-12th Grade Spanish Teacher, 16 years, Hastings High School

A small grant from the HPSF in 2004 meant the Spanish Department was able to offer unique experiences that celebrated the culture and history of a growing Hispanic and Latino population in the community. In addition to seeing Mixed Blood Theater troupe perform a piece for 600 students in Hastings about the historic origins of Hispanics and Latinos in Minnesota, students were able to attend field trips to a historically Hispanic/Latino neighborhood in West St. Paul for shopping and dinner, and a Minnesota Twins Game during Hispanic Heritage Night.

More importantly, the Spanish Department also purchased current posters, music, books and videos and increased outreach between high school students and lower grade levels. "A lot of elementary classrooms are asking us for help with their Spanish-speaking students," explains Rochelle Nielsen, who co-wrote the grant application with fellow Spanish teacher Tim Hasty Bambenek. "They want to be more aware of the significant holidays or to borrow books, and now we have more resources to share," she says.

Although many of the activities in 2004 occurred during National Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from mid-September to mid-October, the benefits of the HPSF grant will be enjoyed for years, Nielsen says.

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