WEST ORANGE, NJ - Third grade Hazel student Paola Nunez Hercules was chosen to speak about why she is proud to be Hispanic at Hispanic Heritage Night, held at West Orange Town Hall on Sept. 19.

National Hispanic Heritage Month (Mes Nacional de la Herencia Hispana}, held annually in the United States between Sept. 15–Oct. 15, recognizes the contributions and impact of Hispanic Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States. Several West Orange High School students also spoke at the event, coordinated with the Township and West Orange Hispanic Organization.

Paola said she was proud to be Hispanic because she can speak and talk two languages, both at school and at home. See the video clip below.

Hazel Principal Joel Castillo, Mayor Susan McCartney, Paola Nunez Hercules, Hazel third grade teacher Stacie Varanelli, WOHO founder and Deputy Mayor Rodolfo Rodriguez

Paola with West Orange World Languages Supervisor Felix Plata and Hazel Principal Joel Castillo