By Evie Beale
Sports Editor
Sally Alcantara, a strong leader of Dominican descent, strives to make R.J. Reynolds High School a place where everyone feels at home. Alcantara uses her leadership to ensure Spanish students at RJR are well-represented within the student body.
“I’ve always been very out front about including our Spanish students and supporting them for Hispanic excellence at R.J. Reynolds,” Alcantara, Student Body Vice-President, said.
During her time as Junior Class Vice President, Alcantara created Spanish Heritage week to celebrate Hispanic students on campus. After winning her Student Government Association (SGA) leadership roles, she has inspired more Hispanic students to run for SGA.
“She really opened up SGA to be more inclusive,” SGA advisor Phillip Boyd, said. “As well as showing a more diverse side of our student body.”
Alacantara’s unique leadership qualities have helped her connect the RJR community. Her ability to bring people together with a good laugh helps her take control of situations.
“Alcantara is a good leader because she’s funny,” Student Body President, Frií Sampson-Young, said. “I feel like to be a good leader, you have to have some sense of humor to be able to bring people together and allow people to see other points of view.”
This year, Alcantara is using her leadership to organize a Spanish Heritage showcase on September 26th. The event will feature many Spanish performances, including a speech from Ricky Hurtado, a past state representative of North Carolina.
“The event has the dance department, the jazz band, and an outside Mariachi band playing for the showcase,” Alcantara said.
In addition to the showcase, Alcantara has organized a Spanish Heritage spirit week to allow students to celebrate their culture with a passion.
“Last year for Spanish Heritage, we had a similar week where we had different days,” Alcantara said. “Some of the days were Flag Day, Culture Day, Color Day, and Accessory Day. One day, we had a band play Spanish music during all three lunches.”
Typically, Flag Day sees the most participation, as it is a unique way for students to celebrate their Heritage. Along with ensuring the Hispanic community feels represented, Alcantara and SGA are also planning activities for other cultures throughout the year.
“We also have something planned for Black History Month and Asian Pacific Islander Appreciation,” Alcantara said.
Alcantara has had a significant positive impact on the Hispanic community at RJR and has done such wonderful things for the school.
“¡No puedo esperar a ver la participación de todos durante la Semana de la Herencia Hispana,” Alcantara said.