On October 16, our cafeteria was filled with families of diverse backgrounds, who came together to celebrate their cultures and traditions. Our school’s Arabic Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, Organization of Latin American Students, and Muslim Students Association sponsored this year’s 9th annual Community Outreach, where families of Hispanic and Arabic descent in our community came together to celebrate their heritage by participating in traditional activities and sharing their culture through food, fashion, and performances.
During this event, students performed traditional dances and sang heartfelt songs in their native language to demonstrate their pride in their heritage. Long tables were adorned and displayed with an array of traditional items of different backgrounds and posters that provided interesting information about each culture. Students dressed in traditional clothes from cultural garments to extravagant quinceañera dresses transformed the cafeteria into a rich tapestry filled with vibrant colors and culture.
On the other side of the cafeteria, more rows of tables were filled with delicious assortment of dishes and pastries for the guests to enjoy after the performances of the students. A collage of cultures were displayed, featuring warm pita bread along with homemade tamales, each dish was a testament to the different cultures they represented. The atmosphere was filled with the delicious scent of each traditional meal, as guests enthusiastically sampled each dish. With each dish, we celebrated the different traditions from around the world that brought the community together.
Undoubtedly, the best part of the event was the colorful piñatas filled with sweets that excited all the guests. Cheers filled the air as students and younger children eagerly took their turn swinging at the piñata. The joyful atmosphere was increased by the laughter and cheers from friends and family, which created a sense of unity and celebration between the guests.
Before the Outreach, I had spoken to Araceli Torres, who is one of the Spanish teachers at Oak Lawn Community High School and who is one of the main organizers of this annual event. We had spoken about the purpose of the event and what she hopes to accomplish. “Our purpose is to invite Spanish and Arabic communities together and to share are cultures with one another.” We must continue celebrating our cultures and traditions to keep them alive and not let them fade away overtime.
