Latino Heritage Celebration set for Oct. 14

OKLAHOMA CITY -- In recognition of National Latino Month, the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS) will host the 16th annual Latino Heritage Celebration on Oct. 14 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Oklahoma City Farmers Market Auditorium, 311 S. Klein Ave., Oklahoma City.

The Latino Heritage Celebration provides an educational opportunity to appreciate and celebrate the wealth of cultural contributions made by the Latino community in Oklahoma. The event is sponsored by the DHS Office for Civil Rights. 

The Mistress of Ceremony will be Pilar Thanscheidt from the DHS Office of Communications. Entertainment will be provided by students from Gatewood Elementary School, Guymon High School, Oklahoma City public schools, Raquel Mendiola, and dancers from the Clips 'n Hips Dance Studio. 

Deisy Escalera, a community specialist with English Learner Language, will be the guest speaker. Special recognition will be given to Yoselin Vallejos, Miss Hispanic 2013 from the University of Central Oklahoma, and Mariah Najmuddin, Miss Hispanic 2013 from the University of Oklahoma.

DHS will have several booths at the event to provide free information about child support services, foster care recruitment, and adoption services.

For more information about the event, email Vicki.Pettiford@okdhs.org or call (405) 522-1611.

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