1. Focusing On: Mexican Americans And Their Influences

2. Influence On Religion New Mexico is a cultural melting pot and due to this we were unable to obtain what percentage of Mexican Americans belong to each religious denomination. In Ruidoso we have a majority of Christian churches including Baptist, Catholic, Presbyterian etc. We truly are a mixed society for many different ethnic, socio-economic, and religious groups.

3. Influence On Food Mexican American’s have a huge influence on local cuisine. In Ruidoso we have about 17 Mexican restaurants where a typical meal would consist of: Rice and Beans Chicken or Beef (tacos,gorditas,etc.) Chips with salsa or guacamole Sopapillas for dessert

4. Influence On Traditions Cinco De Mayo Spanish for “5th of May” celebrates the Mexican’s unlikely victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla (May 5th 1862) Dia de los Muertos “Day of the Dead” November 2nd celebrates friends and family who have died Quinceanera is a coming of age ceremony held on a girl’s 15th birthday

5. Influence On Schoolwork In our high school (Ruidoso High School) we have extra classes so that people that do not speak English can have help in learning it There are quite a few people that speak Spanish in New Mexico. So for those that do not speak Spanish we are required to take 2 years of a foreign language. And since the only one offered is Spanish…… That’s the one we take!

6. Influence On Attendance Here at RHS attendance is very important varying from day to day there is a broad spectrum of cultural groups who do not attend school for the day or are tardy to school. During each semester we are only allowed to miss 10 days of school before our parents are summoned by the court system to explain.

7. Influence On Learning English In Schools In Ruidoso Mexican-American children are taught English early during their school years. In kindergarten there are bilingual classes to help the Spanish speaking children learn English. Before this they are taught Spanish in their homes as their first language. By the time they reach around fourth grade they speak Spanish and English fluently.

8. The Mexican Flag