Austin High School Launches New Student Organization of Latinos Club

The SOL Club aims to celebrate Hispanic culture and provide a sense of community for Latino students.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 12:10am

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The Austin School Board has unanimously approved the creation of a new student club at Austin High School called the Student Organization of Latinos (SOL). The club, which was established by a group of dedicated students after a year-long pilot period, provides an opportunity for Latino students to celebrate their culture, connect with others who share similar backgrounds, and address stereotypes they have faced.

Why it matters

The launch of SOL represents Austin Public Schools' commitment to maintaining a welcoming environment for all students and ensuring they have a voice in shaping their educational experience. The new club joins the existing African Student Association and Asian Student Union, demonstrating the district's efforts to foster a sense of belonging and community among students from diverse cultural backgrounds.

The details

The SOL club was spearheaded by a group of students, including senior Andrea Hernandez Garcia, who served as the club's president. The club's vice president is Martha Lopez. During the pilot period, the students worked to establish the groundwork for the club, which will now allow for fundraising and the organization of more events and potential trips. At the club's meetings, members have engaged in icebreaker activities and discussions about stereotypes they have faced as Hispanic students.

  • The SOL club was approved by the Austin School Board during its meeting on Monday, March 9, 2026.
  • The club's pilot period began during the second semester of the 2025-2026 school year and continued through the first semester of the 2026-2027 school year.

The players

Andrea Hernandez Garcia

A senior at Austin High School and the president of the SOL club.

Martha Lopez

The vice president of the SOL club.

Lois Adjowui

A senior at Austin High School and a member of the SOL club who encouraged Andrea Hernandez Garcia to get the club started.

Janelle Valle Moyeda

A sophomore at Austin High School who joined the SOL club after it was established, as she was looking for a way to connect with her Hispanic culture.

Austin Public Schools

The school district that has approved the creation of the SOL club, demonstrating its commitment to fostering a welcoming environment and giving students a voice.

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What they’re saying

“I'm not going to lie. This was hard. This has been hard, it's always been hard. Nobody tells you what you're signing up for. You kind of just figure that out.”

— Andrea Hernandez Garcia, Club President

“I know Andrea very well. I think she can be a good leader and she has been so far with everything she has done for the club.”

— Lois Adjowui, Club Member

“When we talk about certain topics in our club, I think it gets everybody connected. I think the reason we ended up making the club is when we realized, oh we're not the only ones that don't feel connected.”

— Martha Lopez, Club Vice President

What’s next

The SOL club plans to continue organizing events and activities that celebrate Hispanic culture and provide a sense of community for Latino students at Austin High School.

The takeaway

The launch of the SOL club at Austin High School demonstrates the school district's commitment to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all students, regardless of their cultural background. By giving students a platform to celebrate their heritage and connect with peers who share similar experiences, the SOL club helps to build a more diverse and supportive school community.