Finding Common Ground in Their Diversity

Parading around bright flags and cosmopolitan clothing, students celebrated their diversity Tuesday during International Week activities at Trabuco Hills High School.

Chinese lion dances and a martial arts exhibition were all part of the day’s multicultural education during two special assemblies. Students carried 40 flags representing the native lands of students on campus, from Canada and Costa Rica to Ghana and Germany. Others donned traditional clothing during a fashion show in an effort to introduce their peers to their heritage.

“I’m proud of my culture,” said senior Joyce Yao, who wore a traditional Chinese dress in the fashion show. “I want everyone to know what Chinese culture is really like.”

For six years, the school has participated in multicultural activities, sponsored by the modern language department, and designed to unite students.

“Every year it grows just a bit bigger,” activities director Sharon Farris said.

Events continue today with an international food fair, a foreign language talk-a-thon on Thursday, and other activities throughout the week. The event will culminate with a campus visit Friday from about 70 exchange students who will share ideas and talk to students about their homelands, culture and heritage.

Students who watched the cultural assembly Tuesday cheered at the colorful display of ethnic diversity shared by their peers.

“I think it’s a good idea,” junior Dinah Ismail said of international week. “You get to learn about other cultures. . . . It’s cool.”