Fourth grade student Navisha Jain demonstrates a traditional dance. Photo courtesy Mendon-Upton Regional School District

 The Mendon-Upton Regional School District recently hosted its second annual Multicultural Night.

On Thursday, May 9, about 600 Mendon-Upton community members, families, students and staff visited Nipmuc Regional High School for Multicultural Night. In total, 400 students participated in the event.

There were 20 tables throughout the cafeteria representing many different countries as well as ASL/Deaf culture, music culture and literacy with student music performances, literacy activities, crafts, informative posters, games and more. The event also had a student travel table highlighting the travel opportunities students were offered this school year and upcoming travel opportunities in Europe and South America.

Performances were held in the auditorium, with additional activities in the cafeteria, courtyard and in the lobby. As part of the performances, the K-4 Spanish immersion students sang, danced and recited poetry, and a high school student sang in Spanish and played piano for attendees. Additionally, two middle school students performed Irish step-dancing and a fourth grade student performed a traditional Indian dance. 

The event also provided food from different food trucks representing different cultures, including Atrevete a Probar, 3 Kings BBQ, Sweet Wise Ice Cream, Mortar and Pestle, Bird's Nest Italian Street Food and Simmer and Spice. 

"Having events to highlight the rich diversity of our community is a great way for us to come together, recognize and celebrate our similarities and our differences, and have fun getting to know each other and our cultures," said Spanish Immersion Coordinator Meagan Pike. "As our world gets smaller, cultural awareness and acceptance becomes crucial. Events like Multicultural Night are a fun way to work towards the goal of strong global citizenship in our community."

Submitted by Mendon-Upton Regional School District