Heritage Festival: Many Cultures—One Community

Cover image submitted by Heritage Club.

Sofia Mrioued

The Heritage Club is a place where we honor traditions, support one another, and welcome those who are passionate about representing our multicultural families. Heritage club is not about achievements; it is mostly about building a community rooted in values, tradition, unity, and the celebration of cultural diversity. Additionally, we strongly believe that true leaders don’t just aim for high GPA scores or recognition, instead they grow by speaking up for those who may not always have the tools or opportunities to do so.

Heritage Club’s mission is to raise awareness about multicultural families in our district. We accomplish our goals through cultural events in the community, such as the annual Heritage Festival and the Cultural Personal Essay Contest. Additionally, we support multicultural families in integrating into the school community. According to DPI, this school year, 12.5% of our total student population consists of Asian students, and 6.5% are Hispanic. This marks an increase from 2020, when only 8.9% of our student population was Asian. This data shows the importance of Heritage Club work in our community, and its Heritage Festival. 

The Heritage Club hosts an annual Heritage Festival, celebrating the traditions and history of our multicultural families through dance, music, food, national attire, and more. During the festival, dancers from Indian, Hmong, and Vietnamese cultures perform their traditional dances. It is truly amazing to see their joy as they honor the dances of their ancestors, making their parents proud. For many, dance is the only thread that connects the present to the past.The Heritage Festival is not only a way for students to embrace their own cultures but also an opportunity for others to gain insight into the diverse cultures within our community. It brings a piece of the world together in one place, fostering awareness of the rich diversity around us. By embracing and celebrating these traditions, we help build a stronger, more connected, and successful community for all.

We invite you to this upcoming annual Heritage Festival is a vibrant showcase of the heritage and cultural diversity of our community. This event gives students the opportunity to learn more about culture and foster new connections in an engaging and illuminating way.