Cultural Diversity Celebrated At Westfield High School

WESTFIELD, NJ — There were presentations and performances, displays and demonstrations as the Westfield High School Diversity Committee held “A Night of Celebration: The Cultural Identity of WHS” on May 2.

In its third year, the popular event, which brings together many members of the Westfield
community, included student presentations on the culture and traditions of such countries as
Germany, France and Italy. The Westfield Area Chinese American Association performed a
Chinese string ensemble and magic show while the organization “Enjoy Explore India”
introduced the audience to Bollywood-style dancing.

“We are fortunate to be able to bring diverse programs to Westfield High School through our
assemblies and events like this one,” said WHS librarian/media specialist Lesley Cora who
chairs the WHS Diversity Committee.

Social studies teacher James Lane and a student from his Global Perspectives class explained
the Spring renewal ritual of Loi Krathong observed in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and other Asian
countries. At a mock river, set up in the WHS courtyard, Lane invited attendees to write a worry
or concern on a post-it note “sail” attached by a toothpick to a small Styrofoam “boat,” then
blowing those concerns away down the river.

There were display tables from the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Association of Westfield, the AFS
Intercultural Program, the New Jersey Islamic Networks Group, Enjoy Explore India, and the
Westfield Area Chinese American Association. Additionally, students in Jane D’Alessandro’s
Global Perspective classes displayed their “Heritage Projects.”

The emcee for the event, which is sponsored by the Westfield Education Association, was junior
Rosy Garabete. The gathering enjoyed student musical performances by the WHS Jazz Band,
vocalists Kerala and Jasni McGrail, a freshman and junior respectively, and freshman violinist
Joseph Agar.

A buffet-style meal featuring foods from around the world was provided by area restaurants
including Adrian’s Caterers and Family Restaurant in Plainfield, Pinho’s Bakery in Roselle, El
Lechon de Negron in Union, and Westfield’s Ferraro’s and Peking Garden.

Photo 1 Caption: Members of the Westfield High School French Club give a presentation on
French culture, history and tradition at the Third Annual Night of Celebration: The Cultural
Identity of WHS on May 2. From left, Katherine Ceraso, Lauren Sullivan, Kayla Butera, and
Katherine Hamilton.

Photo 2 Caption: Westfield High School students celebrate cultural diversity at a May 2 event
held for a third year offering presentations and performances, displays and demonstrations from around the world. From left, Olivia Ebel, Emma Hanley, Chloe Shanebrook-Wein, Isabella
Wolff, and Sally Crandall.

Photo 3 Caption: Westfield High School 9 th grader Ryan Rubel watches Tamaques 1 st grader
Logan Chen blow his cares away as part of a demonstration of the Spring renewal ritual of Loi
Krathong observed in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and other Asian countries.

Photo 4 Caption: Displays, such as this one from the New Jersey Islamic Network, were
available at the 3 rd Annual Night of Celebration: The Cultural Identity of WHS on May 2.

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