Fox Cities News

On Thursday, April 11, 2024, Oshkosh West High School hosted its annual Diversity Day, showcasing a variety of cultural presentations to promote understanding and appreciation of different backgrounds within the student body and the Oshkosh community.

The event featured performances and insights from various cultural groups, including a traditional Japanese musical performance by Oshkosh Taiko, dances by the Hmong Dance Team and the K-Pop Club, and presentations from students hailing from countries like Pakistan, Tunisia, and Sierra Leone. Historical perspectives were also shared by the Oshkosh Public Museum and the Winnebago County Historical and Archaeological Society.

According to Oshkosh West English and Global Academy teacher Kelly Wayne, the event serves the purpose of allowing students to connect with diverse cultures and recognize the richness present within their own community. Wayne stated, "Students need to see themselves in the school they attend and one way of doing that is by showcasing and celebrating cultures."

Oshkosh West senior, Melakai V, emphasized the importance of Diversity Day in fostering cultural exchange, saying, "Diversity Day is a way for students to share our cultures with each other." Melakai, along with fellow senior Jennifer T, participated in the vibrant performances of the Hmong Dance Team during the event.

Melakai highlighted the significance of providing a positive environment for students to explore new cultural experiences, aiming to make the event enjoyable and enlightening for all participants. "For some students, this is a new experience for them, so we want to provide them with a good experience and a positive environment," Melakai said. Jennifer added, "Overall, we try to make our performances happy and lively. Most of all, we want everyone to have fun."

The Diversity Day celebration at Oshkosh West not only offered a platform for cultural exchange but also created engaging learning opportunities for students. By sharing their traditions and heritage, students contributed to a more inclusive and diverse school environment.

Looking ahead, the Oshkosh Area School District community eagerly anticipates the upcoming Multicultural Day at Oshkosh North High School on Friday, April 19, where students and staff will continue to celebrate and showcase the cultural diversity present within their school community.