Since last year, my students have been asking me to come to the San Estevan Feast Day, but the timing never worked out. This year was different. Micheal, my student at Early College High School (ECHS), spoke in class with such excitement about their dance that I reached out to his mom, Ms. Kassandra Valdo, to ask if Micheal could write about it for The ECHS Ember. She kindly agreed and even invited me to attend and to wrote about it too! That same day, my colleague and friend, Dr. Pham sent me the poster for the feast with a cheerful message: “Want to go? We could go together!” And just like that, it was set.
It was my first time visiting Acoma Pueblo, though Dr. Pham had been there before for feasts and other celebrations. Like a guide, she knew the moments I would want to stop, take a photo, or when photos were no longer allowed.
As we approached the pueblo mesa, I was taken by the wide plain below, the old town welcoming us, and the sky stretching endlessly above. A breeze touched my face as if reminding me that this place holds majesty beyond words. I finally understood why Acoma is called the Sky City, and why they treasure it with such love.
When we headed toward Acoma Rock, we grew quiet. The sight was powerful. This mesa, standing about 350 feet high, has been home to the Acoma people for more than a thousand years. Their lives, traditions, and strength are still carried in its stones.
Dr. Pham asked if I wanted to ride the bus or walk up. I chose the walk, not knowing the trail would turn into narrow stone steps, carved long ago with handholds smoothed by generations. Climbing higher, I felt history beneath my feet. At the top, I saw timeless homes and sunbathed paths.
The village was filled with dancers in bright costumes, young and old, each carrying the pride of their clans. I saw former students, standing tall in their traditions, and Micheal thoughtfully guiding the dancers. My heart swelled with respect for them, for their voices, their values, and their love for heritage.
No camera could truly capture what I saw: the beauty of the pueblo, the warmth of the community, and the life in every step of the dance. Some experiences are not for photos, but for the heart to carry and honor through stories. As we left, I felt grateful to see my students live out their culture with such dignity and joy. It reminded me that what they bring to class is not just knowledge, but the heart of who they are, something too precious to forget.
Micheal’s and Ms. Richie’s articles were originally published in The ECHS Ember, the official newsletter of Early College High School. For more information, please contact the principal, Dr. Delton Martin, at delton.martin@gccs.k12.nm .us