DRESSED in colorful costumes inspired by the many ethnic groups in the CNMI, the students of Garapan Elementary School celebrated Cultural Day on Friday with the theme “Unity in Diversity.”
Cultural Day is an annual activity at GES to give students a chance to learn more about other cultures, build friendship with their fellow students, and foster a stronger foundation for respect among the community’s ethnic groups.
Different grade levels made presentations highlighting unity despite the multiracial background of the people of the CNMI.
One group of students formed a large circle in the quadrangle singing “It’s a Small World After All.”
Another group of students used various shapes in a skit to dramatize the importance of unity.
There were several booths showcasing Micronesian and Asian cultures.
Jake Belza, 8, who won the award for best concept in the flag-making contest, said his exposure to many cultural backgrounds inspired him to create his entry—an earth under the sun.
“We are one family under the same sky,” Belza said.
Fifth grade students Ramona L. Peter and Sarah S. Johnny said they like Cultural Day because “it’s a time to have fun and celebrate.”
The two tended a small booth showcasing various beads hand-made by their uncle.
At Koblerville Elementary School, students spent Friday celebrating Carnival Day from 3:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Several vendors participated. There were trains, pony rides, a cotton candy cart, games, bingo, balloon darts and a talent show to give students a chance to share their talents with their fellow students.
KES Principal Ling S. Taman said the activity is a fund-raising effort to help finance much needed projects at their school.
Similar activities were made in the past that enabled the school to build walkways and canopies.
This year, Taman said the proceeds of the fund-raising will be used to buy more books for the 450 students of KES.
Taman expressed thanks to both staff and teachers for their effort to organize the carnival despite their heavy workload.
