More than 16 countries were represented at Medicine Hat High School's inaugural Cultural Fair.--SUBMITTED PHOTO
kking@medicinehatnews.com
Students at Medicine Hat High School were all smiles Tuesday, as they took part in the school’s inaugural Cultural Fair.
The student-led event was first proposed by Grade 12 student council member Ladi Bil.
“It was an opportunity for some students in our school, who are part of different cultures, to showcase and teach about their culture and share their diversity,” Megan Getz, MHHS teacher and Cultural Fair co-ordinator, told the News.
During the Tuesday lunch hour, students representing 16 different countries shared information about their culture with peers.
“Some students just had posters, but other brought artifacts. Lots were dressed up in traditional cultural wear. Lots offered different foods and drink. There was some candy brought in. There was one group from India who demonstrated (a dance) and there was some music playing. The environment was really cool,” said Getz.
With a student body of approximately 1,200, Getz estimates roughly 25 unique cultures are represented at the school.
“I just think it’s really important to highlight the different cultures in our school and share and learn,” said Getz. “A lot of people know we have a diverse population in Medicine Hat, but we don’t necessarily get an opportunity to learn about it and to get a little bit deeper into what those cultures are about. So I think it was a really neat opportunity to do that.
“It was really neat to see the kids want to share information about their culture, and even more cool the rest of the students were so interested in learning.”
Following the Cultural Fair, students were invited to attend a guest speaker event, which touched on culture, diversity, inclusion and awareness.
Getz was pleased by students’ reaction to the Cultural Fair and hopes MHHS can host it again in the future.
“I think we’re going to keep growing it,” she said. “This was our first time doing it and it was a huge success. I think the kids really enjoyed it.”
