Mariceli Reyes, Kaylany Mercado and Briana Isaac had their wishes come true when they celebrated their Quinceañera on Feb. 9 at Methuen High School.
A quinceañera is a rite of passage for Hispanic girls when they turn 15. The elaborate celebration is akin to a debutant ball where the girl is presented to society. The party is heaped in tradition including the changing of flat shoes to high heels symbolizing her transition from childhood to adulthood.
“This tradition (of hosting this event) is important because it’s a connection between the school and the Hispanic community,” said Maria Figurreo, Spanish teacher at Methuen High and adviser to the Spanish and Multicultural Clubs which sponsored the event.
The Quinceañera Ball has been celebrated here since 2020, with a hiatus taken during the COVID-19 pandemic.
~ Yadira Betances Muldoon
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- Briana Isaac (left), Kaylany Mercado and Mariceli Reyes pose in front of the birthday cake made by Spanish teacher Carolina Ibarra for the Quinceañera Ball.
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- Quinceañera time! Laura Enright (left), chairwoman of the World Languages Department, poses with ushers Odrie Antigua, Fernando Ramos, Justin Fajardo; quinceañeras Kaylany Mercado, Briana Isaac and Mariceli Reyes; Spanish teacher Maria Figurreo; Spanish Club President Kimberly Natareno; usher Jesus Cedeno and Spanish Club Vice President Sabier Sanchez. Natareno and Sanchez served as the event’s masters of ceremony. Courtesy photos
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- Eric Mercado dances with his daughter Kaylany Mercado at the Quinceañera Ball at MHS.
