Winter Garden Magazine September 2016 | Page 10

Due to a processing error at print time, the photo of Stefanie Esquijarosa, co-owner of the Florida Film Academy, was unfortunately truncated in the fold of the magazine. This also nearly hid the author's byline. We have since pulled the publication for reprint in order to correct the error. We offer our sincerest apology to Stefanie, the Film Academy and to the amazing Jane E. B. Simmons, author of the accompanying article. For more about Jane Simmons, turn to page 23 September 15th - October 15th During National Hispanic Heritage Month we recognize the contributions made and the important presence of Hispanic and Latino Americans to the United States and celebrate their heritage and culture. Hispanics have had a profound and positive influence on our country through their strong commitment to family, faith, hard work, and service. They have enhanced and shaped our national character with centuries-old traditions that reflect the multiethnic and multicultural customs of their community. Hispanic Heritage Month, whose roots go back to 1968, begins each year on September 15, the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Mexico, Chile and Belize also celebrate their independence days during this period and Columbus Day (Día de la Raza) is October 12. Today, 55 million people or 17% of the American population are of Hispanic or Latino origin. This represents a significant increase from 2000, which registered the Hispanic population at 35.3 million or 13% of the total U.S. population. 10  |  WINTER GARDEN MAGAZINE  |  SEPTEMBER 2016