Merion Elementary School recently hosted their annual Cultural Heritage Night as students, staff, family and friends gathered to celebrate the diverse mix of cultures and backgrounds that help make the Mustang’s community such a special place to learn, work and grow!

Upon arriving at the event, each child received a special “passport to the many cultures of Merion”, which students carried with them throughout the evening to get stamped as they made their way to each of the decorative and educational displays set up throughout the school. Along with family photos, captivating cultural artifacts and educational posters, many families' tables also included a staple food or traditional dish for visitors to sample. Lots of attendees were also dashingly dressed in clothes customary to their countries of origin, which included, but were not limited to: Ireland, Scotland, Japan, Colombia, China, France, Canada, Sierra Leone, Antigua & Barbuda, India, Bangladesh, Israel, Morocco and New Zealand!

Merion’s Cultural Heritage Night serves as a wonderful opportunity for students to learn about the different cultures of their classmates and gain a greater appreciation for the diversity of our planet and the people who inhabit it. Celebrating diversity helps strengthen the sense of inclusivity and belonging as students gain deeper insight into and respect for the differences that make all of us unique. Learning about one’s own cultural heritage also helps children develop a sense of personal identity and pride in who they are and where they come from.

This year’s event, as usual, was a tremendous success and a great time was had by all! To view a series of images from the evening, click through the slideshow below!