Published May 5, 2025
BY RUBY IRANMANESH
With the goal of creating a supportive and inclusive environment for Latin American students at Carmel High School, the newly introduced Association of Latin American Students club offers a space where Latin American individuals can celebrate their heritage, embrace their culture and share their experiences together.
“This club is really important to have at Carmel High,” says sophomore Amy Aguilar, who founded the club in August. “It brings the Latin community together, and it welcomes anyone else who wants to be involved. We talk about what’s happening in our time, and it gives us a way to express ourselves.”
Sophomore Amy Aguilar helped launch the ALAS Club to create an inclusive environment for Latin American students. photo by RUBY IRANMANESH
The club was formed by a small group of students, including the current president, who recognized a lack of representation and community for Latin American students at CHS. In response to this issue, they worked to create a space where individuals could feel seen, express themselves and have a sense of belonging on campus
“We wanted to make a space where anyone can come in, have fun and talk,” says senior club secretary Ariana Hernandez. “I’ve never had something like this for any of my other three years of high school, so having this for my senior year is really cool.”
The club has been working closely with CHS faculty advisers, including librarian Philip Crawford, and principal Libby Duethman to design a celebratory event for the future.
ALAS Club members say they hope that this is only the beginning.
