Palos West hosts successful Celebration of Cultures

With over 250 guests in attendance, Palos West Elementary School hosted its annual “Celebration of Cultures” on Tuesday, March 28. 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.

“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: Eabha O’Boyle-Carr performed an Irish dance, Nayan Bhojraj played “Minuet in C” by Bach on the cello, and Colleen Kelly played the Irish song, “Rising of the Moon” on the piano. In addition, a Polish Highlander group directed by Palos West mom Mrs. Bobak performed songs and dances. To cap off the entertainment, Palos South students Libby Gibbons and Brenna Engel shared their Irish enthusiasm by performing traditional Irish dances.

“In our global world, it is important to build an understanding and an appreciation for each other,” explained Mrs. Wojta. “We are fortunate to have such a diverse community.”