Teens share their life stories at Multicultural Fair

A hand-woven straw purse and delicate pottery from Guatemala.

God-loving calligraphy from Pakistan.

A glittering, gem-enhanced gown and child’s drum from Morocco.

Methuen High teens and staff proudly shared the sights, sounds and stories of their heritage during the April 9 Multicultural Fair, a two-part celebration. During the day, Ranger Nation had the opportunity to discover the rich diversity that makes up their school. Students set up handmade displays highlighting aspects or photos of their heritage and included tangible items – jewelry, fabric art, kitchen items, etc. Some wore traditional clothing, played games or made music that’s common in these far-away lands – and in their own Methuen homes.
That night, families were welcomed as the fair expanded to include traditional homemade foods provided by MHS students, a “fashion show” of teens dressed in their traditional garb, lively music and dance demonstrations. About 18 cultures were represented.

“The event highlighted not only the diversity within our school, but also the pride and unity that define our community,” noted MHS Supervising Principal Anthony Curet, in his weekly newsletter.

The fair was hosted by the MHS Multicultural Club, with assistance from teacher and adviser Maria Figuereo and World Language Department Chair Laura Enright. It was supported with funding from the Methuen Cultural Council.

“I tell my students, ‘Be proud of your accent, proud of your language, proud of your imperfections!’ ” MHS ESL/ELD teacher Sofia Zgany, a native of Morocco, told MethuenLife. “Be who you are!”

Exhibitors who spoke with MethuenLife beamed with pride while explaining the tropical feel of Guatemala, the children of Morocco who sell beaded jewelry to buy books, and visiting grandparents who taught them how to cook a special dish or make a beautiful craft.

Multicultural Club Secretary Jenmarie Volquez, a senior who sported a COLOMBIA T-shirt and straw hat, was emotional as she looked around at the cafeteria which buzzed with chatty students, interactive and educational displays, and proud family members.

“It was A LOT of work, but I’m just so happy!” she told MethuenLife. “Seeing those little girls dance (with Cultura Latina) made me teary!”
In March when she accepted a Methuen Cultural Council grant to help fund the fair, she explained that the Multicultural Club started as a way for MHS’ diverse population to share their cultures and bring kids together.

Organizers weren’t sure if the teens would be “too shy or feel awkward sharing something so personal as their culture,” she said, before an audience that included MethuenLife. But after hanging up fliers about the club in the classroom, “We ended up with about almost 60 kids. We realized our peers weren’t shy at all – they were really excited to share where they come from. … We learned that so many kids wanted to share their culture. They just never had the right chance to do it.

“(The fair) is bringing different cultures together and helping build a stronger connection. What started as a small idea in the club has now grown to something that brings together students, families, teachers and our wider community. This event is not only about learning different cultures – it is about understanding one another better. And most importantly, it is about creating a space for people to properly honor where they come from.”