Students at Mary McLeod Bethune School No. 45 enjoy a Hispanic Heritage Month celebration featuring storytelling and dance with Ms. Mariposa

Rochester, New York – Mary McLeod Bethune School No. 45 filled with energy and color on Friday, October 3, as more than 350 students gathered to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. The school welcomed a special guest, Ms. Mariposa—also known as Stephanie Paredes of the Rochester Latino Theatre Company—who brought a lively mix of reading, music, dance, and storytelling to two assemblies held throughout the day.

The visit was designed not only to honor Hispanic culture but also to encourage students to embrace literacy in new and exciting ways. Ms. Mariposa captivated the young audience with her performance of Sebi and the Land of the Cha Cha Cha, a children’s book by Roselyn Sanchez and Eric Winter. Her animated storytelling pulled students into the rhythms of the story, blending the celebration of heritage with the spark of imagination.

Students didn’t just leave with memories of the performance—they also carried home their very own copy of the book. By placing books directly into the hands of every student, the school ensured that the event extended far beyond the assemblies, reinforcing the importance of reading as a daily habit and a doorway to creativity.

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“I see Ms. Mariposa all over the community, and it looked like something fun for our students,” said school librarian Catherine Buyer-Davis. “This is a chance for them to experience something they don’t see on a day-to-day basis. Hopefully, it will encourage a celebration of attendance, literacy, culture, and the arts.”

The event highlighted how cultural celebrations can blend seamlessly with academic goals. For many students, the combination of live performance and storytelling offered a rare opportunity to see the arts come alive in a school setting. Teachers and staff noted the excitement and engagement on the faces of children as they clapped along, asked questions, and connected to the themes of family and tradition woven into the book.

By hosting Ms. Mariposa, School No. 45 reaffirmed its commitment to bringing community voices and diverse cultural experiences into the classroom. School leaders say the assemblies are just one part of a broader effort to make sure students have opportunities to interact with performers, artists, and cultural leaders who can inspire creativity and a love of learning.

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Looking ahead, School No. 45 plans to welcome more guest performers and community partners throughout the school year. Events like the Hispanic Heritage Month celebration demonstrate how schools can serve as bridges between education and culture, giving students the chance to see themselves and their community reflected in meaningful ways.

For the children of School No. 45, the day was more than just a celebration of Hispanic heritage—it was a reminder of the power of stories, the importance of culture, and the joy that comes when learning feels alive.