By Laura Bukelis and Pratul Danasekar
“We may have different religions, different languages, different colored skin, but we all belong to one human race” - Kofi Annan
I Am Vestavia is an organization dedicated to helping Vestavians feel accepted, no matter their ethnicity. Throughout the week, I Am Vestavia organized activities to highlight different cultures represented in the school; over twenty languages are spoken by VHHS students. Bianca Lombo, member of the I Am Vestavia student committee, says that the event assures students “they are not alone.”
America is one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world. Many immigrate to pursue economic opportunities and experience the American Dream. Due to the scope of immigration to the United States, it is often the subject of political controversy.
However, I Am Vestavia is by no means politically motivated; rather, it focuses on cultural understanding. Many children feel out of place when they don’t see their traditions reflected in their community; I Am Vestavia seeks to address this alienation by promoting cultural awareness. It creates a community unbound by political tensions and driven by respect for its members’ backgrounds. Lily Xie, another member of the I Am Vestavia student committee, affirms that this event “brings all of us closer together,” adding that through events like these, “we are all united in celebrating our individuality.”
Leading up to community night, I Am Vestavia staged activities throughout the week. Student-made informational booths were available for perusal during lunch periods, allowing interested students to learn about their classmates’ backgrounds and enjoy a variety of national dishes.
Students could also submit pictures of themselves standing in front of the I Am Vestavia wings, which showcased feathers made of Vestavia students’ national flags. Posters representing different countries lined the hallways, giving the high school a welcoming atmosphere. Music played over the intercom during class changes, and VNN, the school news network, broadcast fun facts about various countries. The most intense aspect of I Am Vestavia, however, was the fashion contest: students dressed in their national garb competed for Ms. Lisa McFadden’s teacher parking spot.
The high school was not alone in celebrating cultural diversity; elementary schools conducted suitcase lesson plans aimed at familiarizing students with cultures they knew little about. School lunchrooms also contributed to the festivities with themed lunch menus incorporating traditional foods from India, Italy, and Greece.
Finally, on Thursday, September 26, the I Am Vestavia celebration culminated in a community night showcasing the diverse cultures that form Vestavia Hills. The Vestavia Civic Center hosted the I Am Vestavia community event. From 5:00-7:00 p.m., attendees learned about the distinct cultures represented among the student body at Vestavia Hills High School.
Perhaps the most eye-catching sight of the evening was the bustle of visitors enjoying Cultural Community Village’s offerings. Cultures represented in the Cultural Community Village included The Bahamas, Bangladesh, Brazil, China, Colombia, Guatemala, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Lithuania, Mexico, Palestine, Philippines, Portugal, Taiwan, Ukraine, and Yemen. Engaging performances provoked visitors’ curiosity. Additionally, attendees enjoyed children’s crafts classes and perused a gallery viewing of student artwork.
The final ceremony comprised novel cultural performances and thought-provoking speeches. First on the program was a welcome speech, followed by a student-made I Am Vestavia video and a cultural fashion show highlighting the distinct dress of various countries. Next, attendees experienced performances by the Natyananda Indian Dance Company, the Ukraine Choir Chervona Ruta, VHELP Singers, and the VHHS Treble Choir, accompanied by VHHS American Sign Language. Keynote speakers included Vestavia Hills City Schools Superintendent Dr. Todd Freeman and Rishab Samant, former President of the Spanish Honors Society at Vestavia Hills High School.
Special thanks go to Lisa McFadden, Cara Thomas, Melissa McIntyre, Eugenia O’Daniel, Leah Dupre, Shay Gosnell, Brad Toland, Sheila Rubin, Olen Vyshyvanyuk, Lindsey Hull, Jessica Garrison, the VHCS EL teachers, Village host families, VH Civic Center, Dr. Todd Freeman, Dr. Antonio Cooper, Dr. Sanjay Singh, Alana Fredrick, Rishab Samant, and all student volunteers for their extensive help.
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