Woods Cross students and families present multicultural showcase featuring seven cluster schools

Students and families at Woods Cross High School held a multicultural showcase that featured displays and performances representing seven schools in the Woods Cross cluster.

The event brought together classroom artwork and cultural tables from area elementary and secondary schools to celebrate students’ heritage and identity. "Tonight is the night that we celebrate all these different cultures in our multi multicultural showcase and just celebrating our individuality and unity," said Althea, a junior at Woods Cross High School.

"Here tonight, we have seven schools that make up our Woods Cross cluster. All of the schools have tables that are representing cultures from their families," said Sarah Johnson, principal at Bolton Elementary. Johnson said each school had tables representing family cultures.

Students described a mix of exhibits and performances. One student who staffed a New Zealand table said, "My table is from New Zealand. My dad's from New Zealand, and he brought flags and pictures and different things from New Zealand so that we could share our culture." Another student performing said the dances "share a different story and ... where we originate from." Performances and exhibits mentioned in remarks included Chinese lanterns, Pacific Islander performances, and elementary-school contributions.

Organizers and participants framed the night as an opportunity for students to see how their backgrounds contribute to a shared school community. "By coming here, students see that their differences are actually what makes them the most unique and special that they can be," Johnson said. She added that she hopes students "realize how important each one of our cultures is."