Palos West hosts 6th Annual Celebration of Cultures

With over 300 guests in attendance, Palos West Elementary School hosted its sixth annual “Celebration of Cultures” on Thursday, March 15. Mrs. Martinez’s Accelerated Learning Program (ALPS) students and Mrs. Wojta’s English Language Learner (ELL) students proudly represented their heritage and cultures with projects and displays from 19 countries around the world. Students incorporated the arts into their projects and displays with artwork, artifacts, music, dance, literature, traditional games, clothing, language, food samples, and other items of ethnicity.

Students proudly wore cultural outfits and bounced from booth to booth, learning about each other’s heritages. Attendees were encouraged to visit each booth by getting their passport book stamped as they visited each country’s display. Along the way they sampled ethnic food and beverages such as baklava, salsa, tamales, cookies, hummus, Russian tea, pierogis, and much more.

“We were excited to host this event to build a better understanding of and appreciation for each other, and to celebrate the diversity of the many cultures represented within our school community,” said Mrs. Martinez. This year’s event had special performances of ethnic dances and songs performed by the following Palos West students: Zoe Touloupakis, Eabha O'Boyle Carr, Ellyse Moreau, Nayan Bajorja, Vivien McDevitt, Ella McDevitt, Caleb Tablada, Brianna O'Brien, Laina George, Rana Alburei, and Colleen Kelly. Mrs. Bobak’s Polish Highlander Dance Troupe also performed.

“This was the most attended with the most displays, and diverse entertainment,” explained Mrs. Wojta. “I didn’t expect when we began this event six years ago that it would become this well attended. The kids really do enjoy sharing their backgrounds and showcasing their ethnicities.”