SAN CLEMENTE : Students Promote Multiculturalism,

Students at San Clemente High School took time from their regular studies Friday to focus on the concept of “We Share One World” during a festive multicultural fair, the culmination of activities designed to foster tolerance.

While some students sang at a karaoke machine, others snacked on international foods, learned about the art of origami and helped build a peace quilt during the activities in the school’s Triton Center.

There were also displays from Orange County and local businesses depicting several different cultures and a large map where students placed dots at the locations from which their ancestors relocated to the United States.

While most of the dots could be found in Europe or Mexico, a number of dots marking such areas as Asia, Africa, South America, India, Israel and Iran illustrated the growing diversity of the 2,100-member student body.

“The multicultural week of activities at our school is sure to make a significant impact on students,” Principal Christopher Cairns said. “My hope is that our young people will be supported by their families, as well as our school, in developing attitudes of understanding and sensitivity toward others who are unique in their backgrounds.”

Festivities, sponsored by the school’s Teacher Student Assn. and Associated Student Body, started Thursday with a schoolwide song and dance program.

“I think that we all felt there was a need for this activity to pull us together, kind of a celebration,” said Judy Bailey, president of the PTSA. “This is really just a visual, hands-on activity for the students. There’s just been a tremendous turnout.”

Earlier in the week, students wrote essays on prejudice in their English classes and studied genealogy in their history/social science classes.

“Stuff like this is good, getting students to know each other better,” said LaTravion Adams, a senior and a student adviser to the principal. “I just hope there is more to come.”

Senior Flo Sanchez, a member of a campus club devoted to making students more aware of diversity, agreed with the need for more activities. Last year was the first time such a festival was held on campus.

“Our goal is to get other students on campus to be aware of other people’s culture . . . to accept who the person is,” she said.