After months of preparation and learning, students at Alden Road Exceptional Student Center celebrated the cultures of the world at the sixth annual Multicultural Holiday event. Students, teachers and parents rotated through student created booths, which represented 10 different countries and their holiday traditions.

Excitement was in the air as students not only learned about different cultures, but also took part in the activities. Teachers began preparing for the Multicultural Holiday event in October, incorporating cultural lessons into the classes for their chosen country. Students had the opportunity to assist their teachers at the booths during the event. Many dressed in cultural garb and greeted guests in different languages including Japanese and Spanish.

The represented countries included Lebanon, Ireland, China, Jamaica, Israel, Norway, Hungary, Denmark, Mexico and Japan. Three students danced around the room under a homemade Chinese dragon as part of the traditional Chinese Dragon Dance. Musical instruments like maracas and drums were played at the Jamaican booth. Students even had a chance to bury rocks in the Japanese rock garden for Zen meditation.

The represented teacher brought in a cultural dish that is significant to each particular country. Bite-size samples of the foods were handed out to students as they soaked in the culture. Mexico provided miniature tacos, while Hungary served the customary cabbage and noodles dish.

Principal Tammy Boyd was delighted to see all the activity and enthusiasm from the students and teachers for this event. She noted how switches were located at each station for students to press if they couldn’t communicate, giving them the opportunity to learn through varying resources.

“The opportunities that are provided for our students to learn are simply amazing,” said Principal Boyd. “Our students truly enjoy learning about the varying cultures and becoming immersed in them over the months of preparations in the classroom.”

This annual event is one that unites all students and teachers, and sheds light on the uniqueness that each individual represents. Without a doubt, students are already looking forward to next year’s Multicultural Holiday extravaganza.