Flags stand along a walkway showing festival-goers how diverse our community really is. This was the entrance to our city’s international festival, a celebration of the many differences that still brings citizens together.
Like the festival represents, HHS is a diverse school. There are students from numerous backgrounds and cultures. Culture means many different things to different people.
“My culture is a very important part of me because I grew up in an European culture, but at the same time a Hispanic culture,” sophomore Sofia Cabrera said. “I grew up seven years of my life in Uruguay and the rest here, but at my house we are not allowed to speak English unless we have friends over.”
Cabrera is an active member of many school clubs such as the Key Club and the yearbook staff. Both activities led to her participation in the international festival. She had a positive experience at the festival.
“I thought it was awesome because I got to work with kids,” Cabrera said.
Gym teacher T.J. Butler also enjoyed the festival.
“It’s a wonderful idea. It opens people’s eyes and minds to different cultures and beliefs,” Butler said. He and his family participate in the festival every year. Butler is not the only Harrisonburg staff member that is a frequent participant in the International Festival. Cafeteria worker Elizabeth Adgei also takes part in the festival.
“I come to the festival every year,” Adgei said. Being a native West African, Adgei is very in touch with her culture. Adgei came to America five years ago with her husband who came to America for to go to college here.
Key Club sponsor Tony Antonnicola has the Key Club participate in the festival.
“Key Club ran an alcohol and drug prevention information booth. For years many groups weren’t involved, now they are,” Antonnicola said. “The festival is a good thing; it helps us understand different cultures and break down barriers. Harrisonburg is becoming more integrated. It’s good to bring people together.”
