Códices: bridging the cultural gap at Owasso High School
By Tony Cerqueira
A wide variety of Owasso High School clubs exist today, but few are as culturally impactful as Códices. The club, Owasso’s rendition on the already existing Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica, was started by advanced Spanish-speaking Owasso students with one unified goal in mind: connecting the student body across cultural differences.
Photo of Códices club members taken by William Kallal
Within the inner workings of Códices, club members participate in Friday readings to local Spanish-speaking elementary students and occasionally meet in Spanish teacher Joanna Couch’s room to indulge in Spanish-speaking cuisine and culture.
Among the most experienced of Códices members is club president and senior Abram Smith.
Smith explained how, “I saw a need for some Spanish interaction for some of those kids at Hodson, so I brought up the project, and we got it going.” He continued, “In the beginning, we started meeting, had Hispanic food at meetings and were kind of just forming.”
Being immersed in a unique cultural environment allows members to not only gain a deeper understanding of a diverse Spanish-speaking culture but also forge unprecedented social connections.
“We have two groups: one that goes to Hodson and one that goes to Mills elementary schools, … there, [we interact with] those students who may feel isolated during their English-speaking day and give them an opportunity to relax and speak the language they're most comfortable with,” Smith asserted.
Despite the efforts that have been made towards building Códices’ foundation, the club has not always been this way. Smith has experienced firsthand the systematic transformation Códices has endured.
“This year, we've become a lot more structured. I wrote bylaws, taking inspiration from the national [Hispanic Honors Society] bylaws, started an application process and implemented service requirements … it's really starting to come together now—even though it's only our second year,” Smith clarified.
Photo of Códices club members and Hodson elementary students taken by Michelle Farabough
The club’s structure has evolved over time and has allowed for progression on the ultimate goal of cultural connection—something Smith sees as an opportunity for growth.
“Membership is open to students in their third year of Spanish or those who have a prior level of proficiency. So native speakers can join, but non-native speakers need to be in their third year,” as stated by Smith.
Códices’ impact on the Owasso community transcends language barriers. As the school year progresses, Códices aims to expand its outreach and deepen its impact within the Owasso community.