At Denham Springs High School, one teacher’s vision has grown into something that reaches far beyond the classroom.
Mrs. Maria Williams, a 2010 graduate of Denham Springs High School, returned years later not just to teach, but to build something meaningful for her students. Now teaching English I exclusively for ESL students, Williams has created a space where culture is recognized, valued, and shared. Her passion for that work led to the creation of the HOLA Club, formerly known as the Hispanic Culture Club, with the encouragement and support of school administration.
Williams began teaching in 2016 and has been at Denham Springs High School since 2019. A graduate of LSU with a degree in English and a master’s in teaching from Louisiana Tech, she brings both academic experience and personal connection into the classroom. As a fourth generation Mexican American on her mother’s side, her mission is rooted in something deeper. “The goal is to encourage kids to take pride in and hang onto their culture,” she shared, reflecting on the importance of identity and representation for students who may not always feel fully immersed in their heritage.
That mission comes to life each year through the HOLA Club’s International Festival, returning this May for its third year. Open to the public for a $5 admission, the festival has quickly become one of the school’s most vibrant and inclusive events.
In its first year, the festival featured nine cultures. By the second year, that number grew to twenty, with participation expanding beyond students to include teachers and community organizations like the Hungarian Settlement Cultural Association. What began as a school initiative has steadily grown into a community experience.
Each table inside the festival tells a different story. Guests can explore informational displays, see traditional clothing, and sample foods that reflect cultures from around the world. It is an environment built on curiosity and connection, where conversations happen naturally and people are invited to learn from one another.
This year, the event will include live cultural elements such as dance presentations and a quinceañera dress parade, offering a closer look at traditions that hold deep meaning for many families in Livingston Parish.
For Williams, the impact of the festival extends far beyond a single day. Through the HOLA Club, students are given opportunities to lead, serve, and share pieces of who they are. The event also serves as a fundraiser, helping provide experiences like field trips and continued programming for the students involved.
At its heart, the International Festival is a reflection of a growing and evolving parish. It highlights the cultures that are already here, the stories that deserve to be told, and the importance of creating spaces where people feel seen.
And behind it all is a teacher who chose to come back home, pour into her students, and build something that continues to bring people together year after year.
