Merion Elementary School recently hosted its annual Cultural Heritage Night, bringing together families to celebrate and explore the rich diversity of backgrounds and cultures that contribute to the Mustangs’ vibrant community!

The gymnasium was filled with the sights, sounds and smells emanating from the sea of displays put together by the many participating students and their parents/guardians. These familial exhibits featured an array of interesting items and information for guests to peruse, including maps and music, artwork and artifacts, native animals (stuffed) and instruments, samples of traditional cuisine and much more. Some families were even colorfully clothed in traditional attire representative of their respective countries of origin.

Upon arrival, each student received a passport, which they carried throughout the evening and had stamped as they journeyed across the gymnasium, visiting the dozens of displays highlighting nations near and far. Japan, Russia, India, Australia, Sweden, China, Chile, Germany, Mexico, Pakistan, New Zealand and Canada were just a few of the countries represented at the event.

Merion's Cultural Heritage Night provides an invaluable opportunity for students to embrace diversity and develop cultural competence. Celebrating diversity helps to foster a greater sense of inclusivity and belonging as classmates gain more insight into and respect for the differences that make them unique. Learning about their own cultural heritage also helps children develop a sense of identity and pride in who they are and where they come from. #LMSDBuildingBelonging

This year’s Cultural Heritage Night at Merion was another resounding success! To see a slideshow from images from the event, click through the pictures below!