Today at NPS October 2018
Today@NPS
NPS Celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month
By MC2 Tom Tonthat
The Naval Postgraduate School Heritage Committee used the allure of great food and a salsa-making competition to bring the NPS community to the patio outside Herrmann Hall to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, Oct. 11.
EMCS Veronica Mikulewicz served as guest speaker for the event, sharing the importance of family, culture and tradition.
“Some of our most cherished traditions are shared through food, art and music,” said Mikulewicz. “To enhance our tradition as Hispanics is to share our stories and continue our journey with you.”
Navy Capt. Mike Ward, NPS Chief of Staff, set the stage for the event, acknowledging the importance of diversity to attendees.
“Diversity is a key part of our Navy and it’s important that we bring people from all walks of life for a common purpose and mission,” said Ward. “Together, we’re better. We’re more effective. We’re more efficient. And we’re better warfighters on behalf of the nation.”
Ward judged the salsa competition, giving ET1 Jenn Macaya’s spicy salsa the winning vote.
Heritage Committee volunteers say these events provide opportunities to celebrate the diverse heritage around us.
“It’s about bringing awareness because the United States is not just built of one particular nation,” said NPS Heritage Committee member Jenny Stevens. “It’s built with people from many different countries. They come here for the same thing ... to follow their dream and better themselves and their families.”