Photos by Samantha Bengtson
Mariachi band and choir members perform the Cesar Chavez school song. Below, Andres Chavez speaks to students about his grandfather’s legacy.
GREENFIELD — Cesar Chavez Elementary School honored its namesake last Thursday by welcoming the grandson of Cesar Chavez to the annual celebration.
Andres Chavez, grandson of Cesar, was the special guest speaker for the school celebration March 29. Andres taught the students the “farmworker clap” and “Si Se Puede,” or “Yes We Can.”
Cesar Chavez helped farmworkers get equal rights in the fields, and once went 25 days without eating, according to the students.
“There’s a lot of things you learn about Cesar Chavez, my grandfather, throughout the school year,” Andres said. “That he helped people, that he improved people’s working conditions, but there’s one thing that I want you to take away from my visit today.”
Andres said Chavez was not unlike these students. He came from a humble family and only attended school until the eighth grade.
“Because he believed in the words ‘Si Se Puede’ he was able to achieve many great things,” Andres said. “Between now and when you reach your goals, there are going to be times that are going to be really difficult, but that’s when you need to remember my grandfather’s life.”
Andres added, “If somebody who only graduated eighth grade was able to make a change in this world, then there’s no reason that any of you can’t go on and achieve all of your goals.”
Following Andres’ speech, members of the choir and mariachi band came together to sing the Cesar Chavez school song, “Brown Eyed Children of the Sun,” and “Me Ceilito Lindo,” a version of “Cielito Lindo” written by Martin Castillo and is dedicated to his wife. The band and choir were led by Castillo and Matt Huot.
Along with honoring Cesar Chavez, the celebration recognized March 24 to 31 as National Farmworkers Awareness Week.
“This week is to honor the contributions of the farmworkers as well as the importance that they have in our community,” said Principal Sarah Amezcua.
