In a world where sharing who we are and where we all come from is becoming the cornerstone to truly understanding our perspectives and paths in life, there is no better time to celebrate the cultures and traditions of others. Through music, live performances, and interactive demonstrations, our students and staff contributed to an authentic cultural celebration and learning experiences at our fifth annual Multicultural Festival on Wednesday, March 4th, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
The interdisciplinary celebration brought our students and staff together to explore other cultures, activities, and traditions, to experience the customs that make each of us unique. It was an ideal opportunity for our diverse community of students to share traditions from their cultures and ethnicities with their peers and other members of the school community through storytelling, food, dance, the arts, and customs that enrich the experience. The festivities featured a range of cultural elements, including interactive student-run booths and cultural performers. We invite you to learn more about our multicultural celebration.
Learn How We Celebrated! We encouraged students and staff to pick up their Multicultural Festival Passports, participate in the festival, and explore a variety of cultural offerings. Students signed up in advance for workshops, with limited seating.
Passport to the World
Explore the globe without leaving school! Stop by our Multicultural Center, visit student-run booths, and engage with members of our Multicultural Club, who will host games such as the traditional Mexican game Lotería and Pin the medal on Lionel Messi.
Earn raffle tickets by checking in with Mr. Toulouse and either completing the scavenger hunt or traveling around the world (the Old Gym). Visit at least 10 student presenters, have your passport stamped, and submit your completed sheets to Mr. Toulouse for a chance to win prizes.
Many of our presenters are sharing stories from their own countries—so take a moment to chat, ask questions, and discover something new. Your passport is your ticket to fun, learning, and maybe even earning a prize!
AFRICA presented by Britha Abunga, Maria Clara De Oliveira, Julien Awuku-Asante, Favour Alemnkia, Jannat Essouabni, Osagie Imalenova, Brooklyn Schofield, Addison Onochollah, Junior Freeman, Demetrius Burton, Che-Davia Spragg, Marshal Osanya, Kai Torku, Kumani Torku, Khari Torku
ARGENTINA presented by David Sherman, Jeff Guallpa, Tim Reitz, Greyson Michael, Owen Davis, Kyle Ronzio
BRAZIL presented by Elorrany De Araújo, Brunno da Silva, Barbara Silva, Matheus Mendes, Maria de Souza, Sarah da Silva, Emily Ferreira, Lara Neves, Olivia Oliviera
COLOMBIA presented by Angie Sarmiento
COSTA RICA Y EL SALVADOR presented by Jacob Cahill, Jessica Calles, Jomaira Cela Chuqui, and Deina Francis Drackett
ECUADOR Y PERÚ presented by Katherine Pinguil, Karen Saeteros, Liliana Paucar, Micaella Zelaya, Jomaira Cela
GUATEMALA presented by John Patricks and Lucia Rae
ITALY presented by Bianca Boie, Charley Dorr, and Addison Whitney
ITALY presented by Taylor Jansen
LEBANON presented by Connor Antobenedetto, Alexia Daou, Riley Hargrove
MEXICO (Día de los Muertos) presented by Frankie Malo y Chloe Burke
PANAMA & JAMAICA presented by Che-Davia Spragg
PUERTO RICO (flan recipe) presented by Mikaela Santiago
PUERTO RICO presented by Kaylee Padua Ramos, Anna Haynes
PUERTO RICO presented by Alexa Castro
SPAIN presented by Ryan Brown, Benjamin Duplessis, Joshua Santosuosso
SYRIA presented by Mia Rezek, Teagan Bshara
VENEZUELA & CUBA presented by Anyeline Garcia Aleman, Ingrid Muyulema Chimborazo
Taste the Flavors of Colombia!
Join Sabor Colombia in the Culinary Arts-related room for this engaging and informative food workshop. It's not just about cooking; it's about learning about another culture and having fun!
This workshop was so popular last year that we are offering two sessions this year.
Chicken Empanadas
Learn how to prepare chicken empanadas with green onion, tomato, potato, salt, chicken, and ground corn. All empanadas are gluten-free. Ready to assemble and enjoy!
Wafer with Caramel Spread
Craving something sweet? Make a tasty Colombian treat! Take a wafer (made with wheat flour, sugar, and baking soda), spread an even layer of caramel (made with whole milk, sugar, baking soda, and an enzyme that breaks down lactose), and cover with another wafer to complete and enjoy.
Coastal Textured Jewelry
Elizabeth James-Perry, an enrolled member of the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head–Aquinnah, is a lifelong traditional artist, scientist, and illustrator. She engages with Northeastern Woodlands Native cultural expressions in myriad forms, from wampum shell-carving and twined basketry to restorative Native garden design and installation. You don’t want to miss this coastal textured jewelry workshop with Elizabeth James-Perry.
Take a dance class in the former cafe annex, now our music room, with Mouli Pal, an Odissi dance artist, choreographer, teacher, and cultural ambassador.
Taste the Flavors of Colombia!
Join Sabor Colombia in the Culinary Arts-related room for this engaging and informative food workshop. It's not just about cooking; it's about learning about another culture and having fun!
This workshop was so popular last year that we are offering two sessions this year.
Chicken Empanadas
Learn how to prepare chicken empanadas with green onion, tomato, potato, salt, chicken, and ground corn. All empanadas are gluten-free. Ready to assemble and enjoy!
Wafer with Caramel Spread
Craving something sweet? Make a tasty Colombian treat! Take a wafer (made with wheat flour, sugar, and baking soda), spread an even layer of caramel (made with whole milk, sugar, baking soda, and an enzyme that breaks down lactose), and cover with another wafer to complete and enjoy.
The unforgettable experience of capoeira is coming to our school. Mass Capoeira offers performances and workshops that uplift the spirit and expose audiences to the magic of Afro-Brazilian art and culture. They engage their audiences in clapping and singing and, whenever possible, invite volunteers to participate and try some movements with them. You don't want to miss this boisterous, dynamic, and interactive performance.
Coconut Burfi Brownie Bites
Our school cafeteria staff will offer Coconut Burfi Brownie Bites as a second dessert option.
Try this fusion dessert that combines Indian (specifically traditional mithai or sweets) and Western (American) baking traditions.
The Indian Component: Coconut Burfi (or Nariyal Barfi/Thengai Burfi) is a classic South Asian fudge made with grated coconut, milk/condensed milk, and sugar, often flavored with cardamom. It is a staple during festivals like Diwali and Ganesh Chaturthi.
The Western Component: The Brownie provides the rich, chocolatey base.
The Fusion: This dessert combines a fudgy, chewy, aromatic coconut layer atop a dense, dark-chocolate brownie base, creating a "Brookies"-style treat.
MANY THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
This program is possible thanks to grants from the:
