Fox Cities News

Students from Oshkosh North High School recently came together to celebrate their diverse cultures and traditions at the school's annual Multicultural Day. The event, which took place on April 19, 2024, showcased a variety of presentations, performances, and activities that highlighted the unique backgrounds of the school's student body.

One of the key aspects of the Multicultural Day celebration was the opportunity for students to share their personal experiences and cultural heritage with their peers. Through presentations and demonstrations, students from the ESOL program, foreign exchange students, and multicultural clubs at Oshkosh North offered insights into life in countries such as Tunisia, Palestine, Afghanistan, Syria, Kurdistan, Rwanda, and France.

Speaking about the importance of sharing cultural traditions, Huma Malik, an ESOL teacher at Oshkosh North, emphasized the significance of food in culture, stating, "Food is a really important part of culture. Celebrations, especially, revolve around food, so it is an important component of culture to display and share with each other."

The event also featured a variety of performances, including a Squid Game-inspired tournament presented by the Youth for Asian American Cultures club and dance performances from Arabic, Kurdish, Hmong, and African cultures. Naseem A., a senior student, highlighted the significance of showcasing diverse traditions through dance, stating, "It's good that Multicultural Day allows people to see how diverse our school is."

Malek M., a junior student who participated in an Arabic dance performance, echoed this sentiment, saying, "It's great that we have Multicultural Day every year at school because a lot of students come from different countries and different places."

In addition to celebrating cultural diversity, Multicultural Day at Oshkosh North also serves as an educational opportunity for students to learn about global history and current events. Ms. Malik stressed the importance of understanding the stories and cultural practices of others, stating, "It's really important for us to understand the stories and cultural practices of others to understand their backgrounds."

As the school community continues to embrace its diversity, Multicultural Day provides a platform for students and staff to connect, learn from one another, and deepen their understanding of different cultures and perspectives. With students speaking a total of 30 different languages and nearly 200 enrolled in the ESOL program, the event exemplifies the rich tapestry of backgrounds within the school community.

Reflecting on the impact of Multicultural Day, Ms. Malik shared, "The students who presented were very excited to share about themselves and their cultures. I think they just want to connect with other students and make more friends."

The celebration not only fosters a sense of unity and inclusivity but also encourages students to appreciate the diversity that exists within their school and beyond. As students engage with each other's stories and traditions, they not only enrich their own cultural understanding but also build bridges of empathy and friendship within the school community.