Cultural Exposition Day

On Wednesday 11/27, BHS had their 4th annual Community Day, to kick off the Thanksgiving break and boost school spirit. During the half day, there were no classes held, and students rotated through 3 different activities during the morning before the pep rally. There were cultural presentations in the auditorium, classroom discussions, and the most popular (and delicious)-the food fair! During the in class portion, teachers presented slides about Native American culture and prompted questions that opened discussion within the class. Teachers asked simple but meaningful questions, which allowed students to open up, and touch upon important skills like respect and trust within our community. These discussions were an engaging and fun way to foster and encourage connections between students and class mates. In the auditorium students taught about Native American culture, and what that means to them. Nepali students shared a traditional dance and showed videos educating the community about Native American culture, emphasizing the importance of embracing one another's differences. This was just another fun way for students to share parts of their identity to BHS!

As mentioned, the highlight of the day for many is the food fair. When students entered the cafeteria that morning, it had been transformed with an array of colors, flags, and traditional clothing. Each booth not only housed multiple snacks and treats special to their culture, but music, fun facts, and other decorations. The tables exhibited an excitement to teach passersby about their food and its significance to their culture, and those who stopped had a willingness to both learn and try something new. As we talked to different stands about why they chose to take on such a big commitment and share their culture at BHS, many said they had lots of pride and love for their culture and wanted a way to share it with the community. When asked specifically about the food, many said it had a connection to their family and childhood, and was widely popular in their country. As mentioned by Ms. Gavin, who stated cultural exposition day is one of her favorite days incorporated into the school year, one of the reasons this type of day is so important is because it gives members of the student body the freedom to express parts of their culture that go beyond any school curriculum, and highlight the unique traits and traditions of each. 

In conclusion, Cultural Exposition Day is a unique way to not only rally the BHS community every year as we move into Thanksgiving weekend, but a time for our similarities and differences to be showcased in multiple respectful and intriguing settings. Big thanks to the students and faculty who helped to organize it, and we all look forward to next year!