Staff and students showcase the cultural diversity of their school community
PATERSON – With entertainment, food, and hands-on experiences; the students, staff, and parents at the Dr. Hani Awadallah School (DHA) held its Cultural Day celebration on Thursday, reviving an annual event that had been celebrated until the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The event celebrated the DHA students’ and families’ many diverse cultural backgrounds.
The DHA Multicultural Committee and the school’s Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) spearheaded the event. Among the activities that were held throughout the building were a cultural variety show, a food buffet that featured the variety of cultures at the school, and a Cultural Showroom where students visited grade-specific groups to see cultural items from all over the world.
Under the leadership of Principal Nahed Badawy, The Cultural Day was first instituted at the school in 2018. Until Thursday, the event had been put on hold when school buildings closed due to the pandemic. Thursday’s Cultural Day marked another step closer to pre-pandemic normalcy for the school community.
“I commend the students, staff, and parents on their efforts and passion in sharing their cultures,” said Badawy. “It was a valuable learning experience for all and a joy to see the passion of students expressing themselves.”
“The kids have been practicing so hard,” said Vice-Principal Daniel Krankel. “They’ve been really investing a hundred percent of their effort to make it a success.”
Superintendent of Schools Eileen Shafer congratulated the DHA students, staff and parents on the successful event.
“ Everyone worked together to have a terrific celebration of the beautiful diversity that makes up the DHA school community,” said Shafer. “I want to thank Principal Badawy and her team, and all of the teachers, students, and parents who worked very hard to make the event happen.
Cultural Day at Dr. Hani Awadallah is a wonderful celebration of the diversity that is at the core of the City of Paterson.”
A scene from the DHA Cultural Day Variety Show
Members of the DHA School Community at the Multicultural Food Buffet
Principal Badawy addresses the gathering of students, parents, guardians, and staff.
DHA School Students wave the flags of different nations.
