From Mon., Oct. 27 to Fri. Oct. 31, Welcome to America (WTA) Club held their annual cultural festival in the courtyard during both A and B lunches. WTA celebrates the diversity of students’ cultures, traditions and backgrounds. This week was an opportunity for everyone to feel seen, heard and appreciated through dance, crafts and face painting.

Each day had a different theme, with different countries and detailed posters in the courtyard displayed in accordance with these themes. Henna and face paint were provided every day to students.

“Our club allows everyone’s culture to be seen, and gives everyone the opportunity to represent their culture,” WTA vice-president and junior Victoria Mallerman said. “The cultural festival makes a huge impact on the school by allowing students to immerse themselves in culture from all around the world fostering curiosity, open mindedness and a more well rounded perspective on culture.”

On Mon., North and South American countries were featured in the courtyard, with a special guitar performance by junior Vicente Abud. A Flamenco dance was also performed by juniors Camila Valladares and Amanda Gutierrez, as well as Brazilian dances by various students. Along with these performances was a Salsa lesson by junior Brian Salazar and trivia games.

“Ever since I was a kid, I’ve been dancing,” Salazar said. “I wanted to share that culture.”

On Tues., African countries were featured and Black Student Union held activities. There was also a Cumbia dance performance by service hour manager and sophomore Sharon Ruiz, sophomore Isabella Miranda and junior Amelia Lemoine. Additionally, there were Salsa lessons and trivia.

On Wed., the countries featured were Europe and Asia, with special activities planned by the French Club, Jewish Student Union (JSU) and Slavic Spirit Club. JSU shared facts about the history of Israel, giving out Israeli candy and painting the Star of David on students’ hands and faces. The French Club made lily flowers out of pipe cleaners and India was represented via diya painting. The Slavic Spirit Club offered paper crafts that formed the shape of dolls.

Thurs. was Jersey Day, with students encouraged to wear a jersey representing their country. There was a special appearance from the school step team, live singing from the band Midnight3 and Cumbia dancing from the country of Columbia.

Fri. was Halloween, for which many students dressed up in costumes. Slavic Spirit and French clubs also hosted their respective activities again and diya painting was offered again.

“It was surreal seeing how much students loved learning about other cultures and took time out of their days during their lunch periods to come learn,” French Club president and senior Ria Phadke said. “It was amazing to meet a new group of people who I probably would have not met otherwise and even inviting them to our next meeting.”

WTA had a successful week, representing each culture from creative angles and providing an outlet for every student to feel seen. They are proud of their efforts this year and look forward to next year’s festival.