Each year, one day early in the fall, four honor societies join forces for an annual tradition. Hosted by National Honor Society (NHS), the Burrito Bash is an event faculty members look forward to celebrating.

This event is a perfect example of campus camaraderie as teachers, administration and honor society members enjoy a delicious breakfast while enjoying one another’s company.

NHS sponsor Richard Sanchez has been hosting the Bash since 1990. The event has evolved from a simple faculty breakfast to a campus tradition.

“When I first started this event, it was just to do something nice for the teachers. The breakfast wasn’t just burritos,” Sanchez said.

Sanchez made adjustments to the event as he noticed a tradition was developing.

“When I was in charge of student activities, I had more time to plan,” Sanchez said. “So I moved the event from the teacher’s lounge to the library and decided to celebrate the 16th of September. During this time, I used to host the event alone with NHS.”

Fifteen years later in 2005 Sanchez made the changes to the event now known as the Burrito Bash; to include all of the honor societies on campus.

“When two former NHS members came back to work at Del Valle, they sponsored FNHS, and that’s when I asked them to help with desserts,” Sanchez said.

Each honor society contributes to the event in its own way.

“National English Honor Society (NEHS) members bring fruit or juices, National Art Honor Society (NAHS) helps decorate the library and Spanish National Honor Society (SNHS) members bring the aguas frescas,” NHS president Sabreena Gutierrez said.

Other faculty members and their organizations are now helping with the bash.

“This year we have Mrs. Andrea Morse bringing salsas and the speech and debate sponsor Ricardo Jordan bringing the desserts,” Gutierrez said.

The burritos are brought to the event by NHS members.

“Each member is expected to bring a certain burrito type,” Gutierrez said. “They are assigned a dozen to bring the morning of the Burrito Bash. They have the choice of  making them homemade or purchasing them at a bakery.”

SNHS vice president Monica Guerrero is attending the Bash for the first time.

“The event sounds like a lot of fun. I finally get to see how it works,” Guerrero said. “I’m looking forward to seeing everyone interact and eating together.”

Guerrero appreciates the diversity of the Burrito Bash.

“It brings all these different cultures together,” Guerrero said. “You get to appreciate what each club does and contributes to the event.”

Government teacher Frank Diamos has attended the Burrito Bash for 11 years. The festivity and positive atmosphere keep bringing him back.

“Every year the event gets better,” Diamos said. “So many students make good food and the atmosphere is great. It’s festive and recognizes Hispanic heritage which makes it more meaningful. I see and feel the unity and some of my best students are there at the bash.”

Sanchez looks forward to the future of the Burrito Bash.

“The event is inclusive,” Sanchez said. “With more honor societies possibly entering school such as National Dance Art Honor Society, it might even get bigger.”

The Burrito Bash helps boost the teachers’ morale.

“The teachers always need a picker-upper or pat on the back to remind them that they’re doing a good job,” Sanchez said.