Culture Fest at McLaughlin Academy of Excellence
By Yanique Williams, 3rd year English teacher from Jamaica
McLaughlin Academy of Excellence (Lake Wales, Polk County FL)
Staff, fellow TPG teachers & community members celebrating at McLaughlin Academy of Excellence
On November 16, 2023, the international teachers from the TPG group at McLaughlin and a few of its surrounding schools hosted its 2nd Annual Culture Fest. The event hosted over 350 individuals, the largest number of attendees the school has ever seen at one event, as quoted by a few long-serving staff of the school, including the principal of McLaughlin, Dr. Debra Wright, who has served at McLaughlin for 5 years. International teachers from India, The Philippines, Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Puerto Rico, Ecuador, and Jamaica, shared samples of their traditional cuisines, and handed out cultural brochures and flags from their countries. The attendees were also given the opportunity to walk through the culture gallery and see amazing artifacts from every country represented.
Beyond seeing exhibits from the countries, and adding to the already magnificent activities from the previous year, the parents, students, and community members in attendance became immersed in the cultures by making keychains, bracelets, and necklaces in country colors from beads and tassels. They even got Henna tattoos done by Mrs. Pabitha Sajin from India and Ms. Yanique Williams from Jamaica.
The two-hour event was backed by entertainment by the Firelight Reggae Band, who performed and played songs from the various countries represented. Attendees sang and danced to the meticulously selected music that exposed them to the vibrant musical virtuosity that each country has to offer.
The community members reported that they do not often get the opportunity to mingle with teachers socially nor enjoy varied culinary treats. They expressed how grateful they were for the event and how impactful the event was.
Most tear-jerking was the accounts of many of the community children, both McLaughlin and non-McLaughlin students who shared that they have never tasted nor experienced anything outside of their own cultures and some even expressed they had no idea what they would have eaten for dinner that night and the event was very timely. Many students and parents had the opportunity to take to-go plates home for family members or others who missed out on the event and would benefit from a meal.
The TPG teachers and other international teachers were not only happy and grateful that all the hard work paid off, but that it was an impactful and successful event. The reception and appreciation from the parents, students, and community members was a welcomed response and a reminder of why our job as cultural ambassadors is so important.
Ultimately, attendees have already said they are looking forward to an even bigger representation at Culture Fest in 2024, and the international teachers never back down from a challenge. So as the curtains close on the 2023 cultural showcase, one can only wonder and ponder what mysteries and excitement Culture Fest 2024 will hold. We only have two words to heighten your curiosity...Stay Tuned!