"Andale, andale! Arriba, arriba!" is not just the sound of Speedy Gonzales jetting toward his destination, but the refrain of the Spanish Club as it jump-starts a new and improved year.

Community and involvement appear to be the focus for Spanish teachers Pachy Bell, Carol Chess and Amy Zeller as well as the new officers, who will work together to acquaint members of the club with Hispanic culture. A meeting was held Sept. 25 to elect officers and discuss plans.

A few new changes this year have been introduced to assure participants stay active. To be considered a member of the club, students must come to at least five meetings and contribute $1 for activities.

Bell thinks these changes will help achieve a stronger level of commitment to the club.

"This year I want something different. I want to meet often so we can do things together and learn things together as a community, not just as a club," Bell said. "I believe we have a good group of representatives. I can see that they really want to make concrete plans."

One of these representatives includes senior Alfredo Carranza, the club's vice president, who is of Peruvian heritage.

"I feel happy and honored to be chosen as vice president of Spanish club," Carranza said. "It's flattering to know that classmates have that kind of confidence in me as a leader."

Senior Daniela Bell, Pachy's daughter and club president, is thrilled to be chosen to lead the club into what she hopes will be an exciting year.

"I'm on a mission to get more people involved," Daniela Bell said. "I want to start fund-raising so we can plan exciting trips, like to Mexico."

Although a trip to Mexico is a possibility, Chess is starting small by planning local activities, such as the annual trip to a Mexican restaurant, El Rincon on South Arlington Street, and a Spanish Mass at St. Bernard's Church in December.

"I would like to challenge the French Club to a contest," Chess said. "Perhaps a game of volleyball or another sport would be fun."

Other ideas up the club's sleeve are making crafts for the Day of the Dead, celebrating Cinco de Mayo, arranging a heritage festival and learning about Hispanic dance.

Pachy Bell feels watching and learning to dance "salsa" or folkloric style would be an activity all members could enjoy.

"I would like to see a cultural event," she said. "Field trips like one to a folkloric dance in Cleveland are a possibility."

Daniela Bell, whose roots lie in Chile, hopes all members will learn from the fascinating Hispanic customs.

"Spanish Club is not just about speaking the language but about living the culture," she said.