Last Thursday evening, the Lee F. Jackson Elementary School and family community took a trip around the world without ever leaving the neighborhood.
The vibrant evening was filled with music, movement, and the aromas of global cuisine as families gathered for LFJ’s first-ever Multicultural Night, a celebration of the diverse cultures that make up the school community. Interest in the inaugural event was strong, with 150 RSVPs and more than 40 volunteers contributing dishes, leading activities, and sharing their cultural heritage.
“This event began as a shared idea between the PTA and ENL teachers, including PTA President Phylicia Gilzene and ENL teachers Ms. Petroni-Kowgios and Ms. Telesca, who wanted to create a welcoming space for families and strengthen connections across our community,” said PTA member Jadera Ramirez-Garcia. “After months of planning and reaching out to families in their native languages, it was incredibly meaningful to see everyone come together. We hope to make this a yearly tradition.”
Upon check-in at Terminal Q, located in the school entryway, WHS Key Club members welcomed families and distributed passports to destinations that included India, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Hong Kong, Peru, Colombia, Pakistan, Ecuador, the Philippines, Mexico, Nigeria, Ireland, Italy, and Paraguay. As attendees traveled from country to country, ambassadors, including teachers, families, and students, shared cultural traditions. Students received passport stamps at each destination, marking their journey around the world.
Experiencing the taste of culture, attendees enjoyed cuisines from around the world, including Dominican moro rice with black beans and pernil, Ecuadorian shrimp ceviche, Jamaican curry chicken and peas and rice, Filipino turon, Indian butter chicken and samosas, Puerto Rican arroz con dulce, Colombian empanadas, Mexican dishes, Nigerian cuisine, Peruvian causa, Paraguayan chipitas and alfajores, Hong Kong-style char siu roast pork, Italian focaccia, and a variety of desserts, including flan, arroz con leche, and Ecuadorian cookies.
Students and families proudly wore traditional cultural attire, adding to the festive atmosphere and sharing meaningful aspects of their heritage with the school community.
“We're thrilled with the turnout and the diversity of cultures represented here tonight,” said ENL teacher Ms. Telesca. “It was especially meaningful to see so many of our ENL families come out, and collaborating with the PTA made all the difference. Seeing current students, former students, families, and administrators all come together has been wonderful. We hope to make this an annual spring event and continue to grow it each year.”
Throughout the evening, students explored a wide range of cultural activities. Guests received henna tattoos, learned how to drape a sari, and took part in interactive dance experiences, including African dance performances by Dream Dance Center, a Theodore D. Young Community Center Latin Fusion mini dance class, and salsa lessons led by Mr. Q that encouraged students and families alike to join in.
“Our goal was to bring together families, teachers, staff, and community members, and the turnout has been overwhelming in the best possible way,” said ENL teacher Ms. Petroni-Kowgios. “Working alongside the PTA has also given me a deep appreciation for the dedication and volunteer work they put in. It’s been amazing, and we look forward to continuing this collaboration in the future.”
“This event represents months of hard work and collaboration, and it's incredibly exciting to see it come together,” said PTA President Phylicia Gilzene. “The community showed up in a big way, and I'm so happy to see everyone celebrating together.”
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Chisolm shared her appreciation for the organizers, as well as school and family volunteers, noting that the evening reflected the district’s “Soaring Together” spirit coming to life through authentic global learning and community connection.
“This is an outstanding event and a true representation of the diversity within our school community,” said Dr. Chisolm. “From the attire and cultural traditions shared by families, students, and teachers to the variety of activities throughout the evening, this celebration reflects what it means to be an IB district. Global learning is not just something we teach, it's something our community authentically embodies every day. This is absolutely an event we should continue each year.”