Graphic designed and created by Samantha Skinner on Canva for Education

Hispanic culture is a visible part of daily life at Fremont High School — in conversations between students, in the music played at school events and in the pride many carry in their heritage. For Hispanic students, cultural identity is often more than background; it can be a source of connection and community. Seniors Martina Alonzo Gomez and Cassandra Santillan and sophomore Alexa Pizarro each share what it means to be Hispanic at Fremont and how they express and honor their culture in different ways.

A FLAG, A VOICE, A CULTURE

Senior Martina Alonzo Gomez is proud of her Hispanic heritage. She believes that having a hallway dedicated to Hispanic influence at Fremont High is meaningful because it shows that people recognize and value Hispanic culture. Alonzo Gomez also loves the idea of adding more cultural celebration, such as including a Hispanic dance during school events — something not commonly seen in nearby schools. She imagines a Hispanic Week with traditional holidays, cultural celebrations, students wearing quinceañera dresses and mariachi outfits, and even a mini parade to share traditions with others.

She hopes that her own involvement encourages more Hispanic students to join activities they love. She has seen many people succeed because they chose to participate in the things that matter to them, and that fills her with pride. Her parents’ success also came from being involved and working hard, and she carries that example with her.

“Being a color guard member/co- captain, a cross country runner and wrestler, it’s taught me that no matter who or what I am, I’m proud to be a Fremont Tiger and I’m proud to be a part of the Hispanic community,” Alonzo Gomez said. 

FINDING BELONGING AND LEADING WITH PURPOSE

Senior Cassandra Santillan says she has never fully felt connected to her culture. As Editor-in-Chief of the journalism program, she has researched and reported on the ML Academy and the experiences of multilingual learners at Fremont. Through her reporting, she has seen how bilingual instruction, access to resources and community support help students who may be taking five to seven classes while learning English at the same time.

The number of Hispanic students at Fremont High has increased significantly — from 369 in 2016–2017 to 780 in 2025–2026 — and Santillan believes accommodations must grow alongside that population. To her, these supports are not just helpful; they are necessary to ensure students feel included and capable of success.

“I’m always going to fight for equality within this school. I want everyone to be involved as much as possible,” Santillan said. “I wish Hispanic students had the same amount of space to move around like everyone else because, in theory, they are like everyone else.”

At Homecoming, she loved the Hispanic-style music that played and felt proud to see cultural representation at a school event. Even though she was born and raised in Fremont, she has sometimes struggled to feel fully connected to her Mexican identity. Yet her leadership roles — including Editor-in-Chief of Journalism, Treble Choir section leader and Co-President of Student Government — show strength and determination. When she visits family in Mexico, her accomplishments are not always known or understood, which motivates her to define her identity on her own terms.

CARRYING CULTURE WITH CONFIDENCE

Sophomore Alexa Pizarro feels deeply connected to her culture, and she says representing it publicly has strengthened that pride even more. This past August, she was crowned Queen of the Hispanic Festival, with Julian Ortiz named King. The event was a celebration of heritage across the Fremont community, filled with music, tradition and family. For Pizarro, the moment was meaningful not just because of the title, but because wearing the crown allowed her to represent her culture in a visible and joyful way. She says the experience helped her gain confidence and appreciation for the importance of sharing her heritage with others.

“Being Queen wasn’t just about wearing the crown, but being able to carry our culture with pride and show love for our traditions,” Pizarro said. “Hispanic culture is something so beautiful that should be celebrated by others.”

Pizarro hopes that events like the festival, cultural celebrations at school and increased visibility of Hispanic students help more people appreciate the richness of Hispanic heritage. She believes that when students see their culture recognized and valued, they feel a stronger sense of belonging.

Just as Hispanic culture is present in daily conversations, music and shared celebrations at Fremont High, it is also reflected in the pride and determination of the students who carry it. For Gomez, Santillan and Pizarro, culture is both history and future — something honored, lived and passed forward. And in their stories, the influence of Hispanic heritage continues to shape the school community.