To raise awareness about the celebration and the coloring contest, CLAS Assistant Director Leila Vieira visited five local K–12 schools and engaged with more than 450 students throughout October. Reflecting on the experience, Vieira shared, “It was incredibly rewarding to visit these schools and talk with students about Day of the Dead. Those who were unfamiliar with the tradition were often eager to learn about the ways different cultures honor and remember loved ones. For students with Latin American heritage, it was especially meaningful to create a space where their culture was recognized, celebrated, and valued.”

One interaction, in particular, left a lasting impression. “My favorite moment was seeing the smile on a young boy’s face when I explained that the contest aimed to bring together Ohio State traditions and Latin American traditions,” Vieira recalled. “It was the kind of smile that told me he felt seen, included, and that he truly belonged.”