Students will have the opportunity to travel the world without leaving school when the annual Heritage Fair returns on March 6 in the gym.
The event is intended to celebrate diverse cultures represented throughout the school community with student led presentations, performances and displays. Organizers hope to promote inclusion, understanding and appreciation among students.
“The goal of this year’s Heritage Fair is to celebrate the diverse cultures represented at our school and help students learn from one another,” Joseph Schertz, associate principal and faculty sponsor, said.
Planning for the event began in September, with the Heritage Fair Committee meeting twice a month to coordinate outreach, organize presenters and collaborate with clubs. Promotion included classroom presentations, social media videos, flyers, and announcements.
“My specific role in the Heritage Fair is that I am the president of the committee, overseeing and assigning the tasks from the other people of the committee while also organizing communication between clubs,” Santiago Delgado, senior, said.
In addition to organizing, committee members worked with administration and other student organizations to schedule performances and ensure rules were followed.
“I chose to be involved in the Heritage Fair because I love to celebrate my culture since it makes me feel more connected to my roots,” Linda Tamayo, senior, said.
The fair provides an opportunity to share personal heritage while also learning about classmates. Organizers shared that participation has increased each year, and this year’s event is expected to be the largest yet.
“I wanted to be able to expose people to my culture and to show my pride in my heritage,” Jordan Brito, junior, said.
Students and staff are encouraged by the committee and participants to attend and support their peers as they share traditions and stories that reflect the diversity of the school community.
“The Heritage Fair wasn’t just an opportunity to showcase my own heritage, but an opportunity to learn the history and customs of my own peers and how they grew up surrounded by decadent agriculture, architecture, and arts just as I was.” Isabel Ramirez, senior, said.