A journey began three years ago with just a few passionate individuals in the heart of Mayo High School. Today, the Mayo Equity Team has blossomed into a force of over 20 students and dedicated staff united by the mission to celebrate diversity within their school walls. Over the last few months, students and staff planned and prepared to share about the diverse cultures that make up Mayo High School and hosted their second annual Culture Day -- a celebration that goes beyond borders and textbooks.
"The first year we were a team, we mainly focused on small informational advisory lessons throughout the year, but had bigger ideas," says teacher and Equity Team member Meg. "At the end of the first year, we started discussing different events we wanted to plan, and that's when Culture Day came up. Last year, we had our first culture day, where about 12 students brought information, artifacts, clothing, and food that helped represent their heritage. This year, we had 25 students participate and share about their cultures. Last year's experience and planning this year's event have helped us come together as a team and learn about all of the cultures represented at Mayo. We're excited to provide other students and staff with this opportunity to learn more!"
Nima and Helen, two Mayo High School student Equity Team members, said the idea for Culture Day came to them last year. "As student leaders on the equity team, we thought it would be interesting to hold a culture showcase within the school, as many of us come from different backgrounds," says Nima. Helen added, "Culture Day is an opportunity to teach people about my beloved heritage. As an event organizer through the Equity Team, it is also about creating a space where students feel comfortable enough to be vulnerable and open about their culture."
Culture Day at Mayo High School took place during the school day, making it accessible for all students. Six classes participated each hour, and students had the opportunity to visit during the lunch hour. Nima continues, "My favorite part of Culture Day was seeing everyone standing at their tables, smiling as they talked about their culture. It warmed my heart to see that people were interested in learning about different cultures, and it made me and the other students feel seen.” Students shared artifacts, food samples, and educational pieces; they danced and sang to traditional music. “The area was such a comforting place for students of all kinds, which can often be hard to find in a school environment," Nima added.
Culture Day is a great way to bring a community of students and staff together, open up a world of understanding to their peers' backgrounds and cultures, and bring a sense of belonging to those sharing their culture with others.
When asked what first-time Culture Day attendees should know, Helen explained, "I would encourage students and staff attending Culture Day for the first time to really listen to the information from each group. We can often find unexpected similarities in each other's traditions! Also, be willing to try something new without passing judgment; you might be pleasantly surprised!" Nima adds, "It's okay to ask questions! Understandably, people may not know everything about a culture, and asking even the simplest of questions is the whole reason for us to teach, not to test how much you know!"
Mayo High School's Culture Day is not just an event; it's an example of the power of unity, building relationships, understanding, and the richness that diversity brings. Culture Day inspires acceptance, belonging, and learning as the students and staff bridge gaps, amplify their voices and share the stories that make them unique. In a world that often emphasizes differences, Mayo's Culture Day stands as an example of how embracing diversity can cultivate a sense of belonging and create a culmination of shared experiences, as well as build a positive school climate for all students and staff. So, let the rhythms of tradition, the aromas of heritage, and the stories of the students carry you into a world where every culture is acknowledged and celebrated.
