HS North celebrates diversity in second annual Culturefest Bayshore Courier News Posted:04/06/10
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Middletown - On April 13, the Middletown High School North Community invites the public to Culturefest 2010, which will take place from 6 to 8 pm. The high school is located at Tindall Road in Middletown. The High School North cafeteria will host booths from 22 countries and feature international food, music and dance. The sponsoring Social Justice and Diversity Committees encourage a $3 donation; proceeds would go toward programming at High School North to promote diversity and understanding.
"Culturefest is a joint effort of our student Social Justice Committee and our staff and administration's Diversity Committee," explains Social Justice co-advisor Gail McLaughlin. She adds, "Our students expressed a strong interest to revive a former fun event known as Cultural Café in order to promote cultural awareness and understanding between people of different cultures."
Culturefest is a total school collaboration. Among other groups, the FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America) will present a global fashion show. The Senior Council has claimed Brazil, while the Junior Council will man a booth for Switzerland. Of course, the language honor societies will represent those countries speaking their respective languages including Mexico, France, Italy and Germany. Students and staff who share heritage or a special interest in that culture represent other countries. In particular, an alumnus who recently returned from earthquake-devastated Haiti will speak about her experiences. Donations will be accepted at the Culturefest to benefit Haitians.
HSN teacher and Social Justice Co-advisor John Kerrigan were able to secure participation from many local businesses that will supply a variety of international foods and beverages. Entertainment will include such favorite dances as the Italian Tarantella, Irish step dance, and Latin Salsa. The popular High School North Dance Team Music will also perform. Musical interludes include the Scottish bagpipes and French songs. Special demonstrations feature henna hand painting, an Indian cooking demonstration (courtesy of Whole Foods Market) and Yoga led by the National Honor Society.
In addition to Culturefest, the Social Justice Committee (SJC) is a very active presence in High School North. SJC helps observe and celebrate different events through the year including Latino Heritage, Native American, Asian-Pacific, Black and Women History months, in addition to Martin Luther King Day and School Violence Awareness Week. SJC members perform many community service activities such as food and clothing drives. They also observe A Day of Silence to support lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students.
The two Middletown high schools are also members of the Diversity Council of Kean University where students have participated in Student Leadership and Human Rights Conferences.
Ms. McLaughlin adds, "We are working to prevent or stop incidences of bias and bullying and encourage people to speak up against it."
