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Trumpet player is a Wimbish teacher

Nobody kicks off Hispanic Heritage Month quite like Wimbish World Language Academy.

Students arrived at school this morning to a mariachi band and dancing at the front entrance.

Many students came prepared in colorful dresses ideal for twirling.

The now-annual tradition is perfect for a school that celebrates cultures and teaches multiple languages to all students.

“This is an important event, especially at the beginning of the school year, because it is what makes WWLA the community it is,” said Wimbish principal Dr. Chelsea Kostyniak. “We celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month because of the language, the culture, and the families we serve at WWLA and in ����Ӱҵ.”

Wimbish is a dual language elementary school where every student gets to pick a language track – either French or Spanish. Then they are immersed daily in that language. Half the day – language arts and social studies – is taught in English, and the other half – math and science – is taught in French or Spanish.

Leading the mariachi band on the trumpet was someone all the students know. Abraham Hernandez has been playing trumpet for 23 years and has been a member of Mariachi Alegre since 2023. But he’s also a Spanish teacher at Wimbish.

Hernandez loves sharing his culture and bringing everyone together.

“It’s such an exciting experience to do with the kids what I do with my friends on the side – playing mariachi music,” Hernandez said. “To watch the kids in a different light, in a different outfit, it’s really cool.”

Happy Hispanic Heritage Month!