ROCHELLE — Rochelle Middle School was packed Friday for this year’s Cinco de Mayo celebrations.

Event organizer Rosie Arteaga said the Rochelle Elementary District 231 students have been preparing for the events for months. In all, over 60 students from the Rochelle elementary schools in Pre-K through middle school performed.

Arteaga credited Reina Guevara, a senior at Rochelle Township High School, and Edna Vasquez, Central School teacher, for instructing the students on the art of dancing ballet folklorico.

“I am very proud of our students who worked so hard every week to perform for this year’s Cinco de Mayo,” Arteaga said. “I am also grateful for the support we have from our District 231 parents and families who also worked with their children.”

Special guest emcee Jose Luis Solorzano, radio announcer from Milwaukee’s Caliente 97.9, introduced el Ballet Xochiquetzal, el Payasito Carmelo, DJ Juan Ugalde, and the Rochelle district student dancers, family, and friends.

“Seeing all the families come together to learn about the Mexican culture was truly amazing. We need more moments like this to grow as a community,” said Rochelle resident Mercedes Barrientos.

Arteaga also expressed her gratitude for the community’s support.

“A huge thank you to anyone who donated time or a monetary donation for this year’s Cinco event,” Arteaga said. “We had a tremendous amount of support from local businesses. Once again, gracias.”

Adding, “We encourage and invite parents and community members to help the District 231 Cinco de Mayo celebration become a bigger success.”

Anyone interested in joining the Cinco de Mayo committee is asked to email Arteaga at rarteaga@d231.rochelle.net.