The scent of freshly baked empanadas, the sound of the lively Lotteria games, and the sight of students and families gathered in conversation. On Friday, January 31st, LASO hosted its third annual potluck, a vibrant celebration of culture and community. Families with children in LASO, along with members of the Bishop’s community, came together to share homemade dishes, enjoy traditional events, and connect over their shared heritage.
The food was the star of the show. Tables were lined, family-style, with authentic Latin food — empanadas, pan dulces, and stews. Co-leader Bella Bravo (‘26) and her family brought masa (ground nixtamalized corn), a fan favorite, so people got to make their own tortillas and quesadillas by hand. Another leader, Hugo Avila Marquez (‘25), brought pan dulces and chicharrones, snacks he ate growing up.
LASO members, their families, and other Bishopians were in attendance at the potluck. Members talked about how the organization has helped Latino students at Bishop’s come together as a community. Jonah Garcia (‘27) said, “LASO makes me feel included at school. It has become a safe space to go to with people with the same culture as me.” LASO Leader Evan Hamadeh (‘26) added that he enjoys getting a good community of Latin American individuals together where they can “eat good food and talk about stuff that is meaningful to [them].”
One of the fun games at the potluck was lotteria, a traditional Mexican game similar to bingo. Ruben Gutierrez (‘25) said that he was most looking forward to lotteria at the potluck. He explained that everyone gets a sheet with different pictures, like a bingo card. Someone will call out the different cards; if you have it, you put a bean on it. You play until someone has either four in a row or their whole card filled up. While playing, Hugo Avila Marquez (‘25) quickly called out the cards. “LOTTERIA” was yelled by various players, and the winners got gift cards to local stores in La Jolla. Everyone enjoyed the fun and competitive game regardless of whether they won or not.
There was no better way to end the night than with the piñata tradition. Kids of all ages lined up for their turn to play, with families gathering around to watch and cheer. One by one, kids were blindfolded and hit the piñata. Everyone sang the song “Dale, Dale, Dale,” a song Jonah Gacia (‘27) said he grew up singing.
