Far more than a showcase of student talent or a beloved school tradition, Multicultural Night at Early College High School is a statement of identity about shared humanity in a diverse community of friendship.
For the ninth year, students from the two Killeen ISD Early College High School campuses combined Friday evening to host its largest event of the school year with food, decoration, costumes, games and dances in expression of a rich, cultural tapestry.
This year’s version of the event was even more deeply student led than usual with a newly formed Spanish National Honor Society (Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica) taking the reins of the multi-faceted event.
Following a program of cultural dances and interactive games, the event culminated with the traditional parade of nations with students in full costume processing into the gym carrying 70 different national banners in the Flag Walk.
The look of emotion and joy on the faces of the high school participants and the loud audience approval indicated the power of the moment.
Tyson Salaiz, Early College senior and secretary of Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica, was one of several student MCs for the event.
“It is the biggest event of the year. It’s a huge celebration of who we are as a school. We are blessed with so much cultural diversity, and this event allows as to acknowledge that and celebrate that,” Salaiz said.
“There is something beautiful about us as a school coming together to acknowledge where we come from and where we are now.”
Society President Priscilla Barrientos, also an Early College senior expressed the pride her school takes in planning and orchestrating the annual showcase of cultures.
“Multicultural Night is an annual event that started way before us and it’s a tradition we want to pass along. It’s important to showcase the diversity of our school and just be kind to each other,” she said.
“It makes me proud when people are coming together and trying something new outside their culture like learning a new dance or singing in a different language. It makes me happy to see people exchanging cultures like that.”
Spanish teacher Maricruz Cardenas said students planned and organized the multicultural night for months. It served as the newly formed honor society’s service project.
“It’s our biggest event of the year,” she said. “The Spanish national honor society put it together. We started at the beginning of the year to get volunteers.”
The student leaders formed the dance productions with cultural songs, as well as elaborate displays throughout the school, organized donations of ethnic food dishes and even scheduled a pair of food trucks parked outside the school.
“They are supposed to bring language to the community, but they are bringing the community to learn about the different countries we have at this school,” Cardenas said.
Participants included the Pacific Island Dance Club, Plena Girls, Latin Dance Club, a staff and student performance of Mexico Lindo and Querido, a duet singing Zero to Hero and the school Fashion Club Flag Walk.
Photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/killeenisd/albums/72177720332538873