Inclusion Potluck Allows Diverse Waukee Families to Share Their Stories

Waukee High School transformed into a melting pot when over 100 people, from about 15 different backgrounds, some in outfits from their native country, gathered with a dish from their country to mingle and exchange stories.

The event was the district's Diversity and Inclusion Potluck held Tuesday night.

Michelle Hurlburt, curriculum facilitator for Waukee Schools, discussed what the event was about and the importance of it.

“Diversity is any aspect of an individual that makes him or her unique,” Hurlburt said. “Along with diversity we wanted it to be more than just both seen and unseen characteristics. We really wanted it to be about inclusion and accepting, embracing and appreciating others, so we added an inclusion definition.”

Walking into Waukee High School everyone was greeted by students from the high school’s International Club. Everyone received a nametag to write their name on and a card where they would label the dish they brought and its country of origin.

Then, the food was put on tables against the wall. The dishes represented American fare, along with Spanish, Danish, German, French, Bosnian, and Italian recipes. The food ranged from entrees to desserts, and breads, meats and more.

While eating and talking people listened to Cucho Madero, of Peru, play his pan flute.

The Diversity Leadership team members were recognized, then Hulburt talked about the theme of the event, Your Story Matters.

“This theme came around when the same conversation about inclusion where we believe everyone has a story and our individual story matters,” Hulburt said.

Jasinta Lejukole from South Sudan has children who attend Waukee schools.

“I love this event,” Lejukole said. “There is a variety of people from different countries and it is a friendly environment.”

Tammy Getting, a German teacher at Waukee High School, introduced the students in the International Club. The club consists of 20 students from all over the world.

Evelyn Rudich, a parent liaison of the Diversity Leadership Team, helped organize the potluck. Rudich, from Argentina, has lived in Waukee for eight years.

She shared her story.

“When I moved here I thought I was the only Argentinian in the area,” Rudich said. “I can’t believe this event is happening. I think my husband and me are very pleased. I think I found my place, I am very thankful Waukee welcomed me.”

Erica Clark and Juan Perez are members of the International Club and helped host the potluck.

“I enjoyed seeing all the people come together,” Clark said.

“The event went very well and the food is good,” Perez said.

Meeta Koehari, from India came with her two sons, students of the Waukee school district, and her husband.

“I love it,” Koehari said. “The idea is getting them (her sons) use to their heritage. It is good to have them be proud.”

Getting was happy with the turnout. “Waukee is lucky to have a diverse community.”

Rudich took about two months to plan the event. She was also pleased to how it went.

“For the first potluck, I am very happy and proud,” Rudich said. “This is about our children, at the end of the road we are all alike, I am a strong believer in diversity.”