Judson Middle School in south Salem kicked off summer vacation with a lively schoolwide assembly featuring dance and spoken word performances representing a wide range of cultural traditions. About 50 students, sixth through eighth grade, took part in the program, performing before classmates, staff and guests, including Superintendent Andrea Castañeda.

Celebrating Diversity

Students, many in vibrant traditional dress, performed dances from Marshallese, Tahitian, Hispanic, African, European and Asian cultures. Students of Pacific Islander descent performed the Haka, a powerful Indigenous ceremonial dance. Students of Ukrainian descent read a Ukrainian lullaby, while participants in the school’s Unified program energized the crowd with a cheer performance.

For organizers, the event is about celebrating the many backgrounds that make up the school community. “All of these cultures are part of our American culture,” said Eileen O’Conner, special education instructional assistant who helped organize the event. “Every culture represented here adds something unique to the American experience, and that diversity is one of our greatest strengths.”

Original reporting: Salem Reporter — read the source article.