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Northwest Cabarrus students celebrate classmate's overdue Quinceañera
Jonathan E. Coleman / jcoleman@independenttribune.com
Juana Garcia walks down the stairs to the cafeteria after her quinceañera celebration at the school. Nearly three years after her family immigrated from Mexico, causing her to miss her quinceañera, the Northwest Cabarrus High School Spanish department honored her with the right of passage.
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Published: October 24, 2009
One week before Juana Garcia's 15th birthday, her family immigrated from Mexico to the United States.
Traditionally a time for celebrating a girl's passage into womanhood through a celebration known as a Quinceañera, Garcia spent her birthday settling from the move.
Nearly three years later, as Garcia's classmates at Northwest Cabarrus High School began studying about Latino celebrations, they asked about her memories of her special day.
When she explained why she never experienced her Quinceañera, the class decided to help her live out one of her culture's most anticipated events.
"We were talking about Mexican culture, so they decided to make a Quinceañera for me," Garcia said. "I never expected they would do this for me, so I was really excited about it."
Just weeks shy of her 18th birthday, Garcia finally got the 15th birthday celebration she never had.
The school's entire Spanish department got involved, making decorations and raising money for food, programs and other expenses.
It was also a great learning experience for the school's Spanish students.
"It's probably the most proud moment for my students in my career," Spanish teacher Aimy Steele said. "It really comes from the kids coming together and wrapping their arms around this."
Among those spearheading the effort was Kendall Chambers, a senior hoping to minor in Spanish in college.
"Every girl wants to be a princess once in her life," Chambers said when asked why she got involved. "I like Juana, and I like helping people. Especially being a senior, you want to have a memorable moment in each class. This was definitely one for me."
In addition to creating memories, the Quinceañera marks an important step in the life of a Latino girl.
"The Quinceañera is a right of passage," said Steele. "It's similar to a Bar Mitzvah for a Jewish boy or a debutante for a young girl."
Traditionally, the Quinceañera begins with a Catholic Mass, where the young woman is presented with several gifts — including a Bible, rosary, doll and high heel shoes — all signs of her passing from childhood into adulthood and celebrating her faith.
"Every Latino culture is very centered around religion," Steele said. "From an educational standpoint, we had to separate church and state, but it was very close to a traditional ceremony."
Next, the young woman participates in her first dance. For Garcia and her classmates, it was a Waltz, followed by the Merengue.
Finally, the students celebrated with a traditional meal and cake.
Garcia, dressed in an elaborate gown, smiled as she relived the event with her friends during the reception.
"It was really fun," she said. "Really awesome. It's another step, very exciting."
• Contact managing editor Jonathan E. Coleman: 704-789-9105
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