Scott County board recognizes local Aztec dance youth program for year of service and free community programming

At the Jan. 6 Scott County Board meeting, a local Aztec dance group thanked the board for allowing use of county space for weekly programming that connects children to Mexican and Indigenous cultural traditions. Program leader Elba addressed the board about the group's first year using county facilities and invited parents and participants to speak.

Rosa Garcia, a parent and mental health provider, said the program provides affordable cultural engagement and a safe winter activity for families: "This is a free program, which is probably the best part," she said, adding that the classes helped her daughter and other families embrace their culture while staying physically active. Another parent, Evelyn Hassan, described changes she has seen in her 6-year-old daughter: "When she first started, she was shy and unsure. Now every Thursday, she walks in with confidence, bravery, and excitement," Hassan said.

Several other participants, including a parent (Terrell) and youth speakers, thanked the board and volunteers. Board members responded by thanking the volunteers and noting the program aligns with county goals to support children and cultural programming. The meeting record shows the program leader offered tamales to attendees after the meeting and distributed small handcrafted items made by a local business in Shakopee.

The remarks were part of the public recognition portion of the meeting; no fiscal appropriation or formal county action tied to the program was recorded in the transcript.