WSR counselor Rebecca J. Flores said she was happy that most of these schools continue to observe the event.
“Every time we celebrate Oct. 24, we have fond memories to speak about: educational, entertaining, engaging and meaningful,” Flores said.
The annual celebration shows that diversity has a place in the educational setting.
Students may come from different cultural backgrounds and traditions but they are unified in promoting peace and celebrating their cultural differences in their multi-cultural school, Flores said.
The program started with a flag ceremony and a parade of national flags involving all WSR students.
The United Nations song was then performed by fourth grade students and teachers.
This year’s theme was “Preserving Harmony and Understanding Among Nations.”
WSR acting vice principal Naomi Nishimura said the celebrations renewed their pledge to sustain peace and harmony while preserve their cultural heritage.
“Ignorance, hatred, prejudice and apathy exist everywhere and are the sources of what troubles the world today,” she added.
Elysia Deleon Guerrero and Ana Lizama of the WSR Chamorro, Carolinian Language Heritage Studies were this year’s Cultural Day coordinators.
Deleon Guerrero said the manamko’ from the Aging Center visited the school and taught the students how to make a mwar and cook native dishes.
The manamko’ also discussed family values, respect and health.
John Castro of the Historical Preservation Office and NMI Museum director Robert Hunter also made presentations to students regarding different cultural artifacts.
Lizama said Cultural Day is very significant for the students and teacher “since we have our own identities, languages, beliefs and customs yet we interact harmoniously.”
During the program, the kindergarten students performed the song “We Are the World” while the first graders presented their interpretation of “Sha-la-la-la-la.”
The second graders performed the “Macarena,” Disney version; the third graders, “Imagine”; the fifth graders, “Nobody but You”; and the sixth graders, “Candle in the Wind.”
The manamko’ performed a medley of Chamolinian songs and dances.
