ESJ’s student peer group, the Hispanic Student Union, sponsored by Sra. Josephine Sanchez, planned and hosted Heritage in Harmony last week, a community event that celebrated cultures and countries from around the world. The student body had the opportunity to share their heritage, and more than 45 students volunteered. The fair, held at Parks and Lastinger Halls, featured cultures that represent ESJ students’ heritage, including India, Jamaica, Italy, the Philippines, Taiwan, China, Central and South America, the Bahamas, Germany, Russia, France, the Caribbean islands of Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic, and the Middle Eastern countries of Syria, Palestine, Israel, and Jordan.

All Munnerlyn Campus students “traveled” the world with their “passport,” discovering the incredible diversity that makes this campus special. The students visited different “countries” (tables) with informational displays, viewed cultural artifacts, heard different languages and music, and ate food and treats while getting their “passport” stamped with stickers representing the country, signaling their “port of entry.”

“There were nothing but smiles in that globe of students representing our ESJ culture,” said Ms. Sanchez. “The Heritage in Harmony Cultural Fair brought our community together to celebrate, learn about, and honor the many heritages that enrich our school. The event aligns with our Portrait of a Graduate goal to Seek Understanding and underscored the value of curiosity, collaboration, and inclusion while always learning.”