On Thursday, November 21, Whitman Middle School hosted its annual Multicultural Family Night, an event celebrating the diverse cultural backgrounds of our students and their families. This vibrant gathering reflected Whitman’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all. With students from a wide array of cultural backgrounds, Multicultural Family Night provides an important platform to honor and embrace these differences, showcasing the unique traditions, foods, and stories that make our community special.

Why Is This Event So Important at Whitman?

Whitman Middle School is home to students from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds, and Multicultural Family Night plays a crucial role in highlighting this diversity. The event offers students and families the chance to represent and share their cultures, encouraging a deeper understanding and appreciation of the differences that make us who we are. It is a night of celebration where every family, regardless of background, feels valued and seen.

The significance of this event goes beyond showcasing cultural traditions—it fosters pride in one’s identity. Students can reflect on and share what makes their heritage special, and in turn, learn to respect and appreciate the cultural identities of their peers. This celebration of diversity is an essential part of Whitman’s mission to create a safe, inclusive space where all students feel comfortable expressing themselves.

Principal John Flowers emphasized the event’s importance, saying, "Multicultural Night is a cherished event at Whitman, celebrating the diverse cultural backgrounds of its students, families, and staff while fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment. The event seamlessly blends enjoyment with learning, providing an engaging opportunity for students and their families to explore the world without leaving the school. It also allows students to take pride in showcasing their heritage through performances, exhibits, and food, boosting their confidence, and fostering a deeper connection to their identity."

What Motivates the Work Behind This Event?

The driving force behind Multicultural Family Night is the desire to make every student and their family feel welcome and included. For many, moving to a new country and adapting to a new culture can be overwhelming. Whitman Family Liaison, Raquel Monterrosa Romero, who is part of the planning committee for the event, shares, “As an immigrant myself, I understand the challenges of navigating a world where you may not always feel like you belong. No matter what ethnic group or culture our students and their families belong to, they are also part of our community and through this event, they can represent their cultural roots.”

Organizing events like Multicultural Family Night is an opportunity to give back to the community by creating a space where all cultures are celebrated, and every family can feel at home. Students and their families are integral parts of the Whitman community. Through this event, they can share their cultural roots, fostering unity and belonging for all.

The De Jesus family, members of the Whitman community, enjoy participating in the event. They say, “We are motivated by the opportunity to represent and share a piece of our island with others, fostering a sense of closeness to our homeland in a welcoming environment.” Even as their son prepares to move on to Mount Vernon High School, the De Jesus family hopes, “By having this event every year, more people and countries will join, allowing us to learn about other cultures and understand that we all share many human qualities, while ensuring Whitman has the resources to continue this important multicultural community event and receive recognition for its significance.”

Looking Ahead: The Long-Term Impact of Multicultural Family Night

Looking ahead, our goal is for Multicultural Family Night to continue to serve as a bridge between Whitman and the wider community. Monterrosa Romero hopes that this event, along with others, will inspire parents to become more engaged in their children’s education, both academically and emotionally. By building relationships between families, teachers, and staff, we aim to create a network of support that empowers students to thrive.

Ultimately, our hope is that these efforts will pave the way for stronger connections within our school community. The more we engage with one another, the more we learn to understand and appreciate each other's backgrounds, leading to a richer, more connected school experience. Through the Multicultural Family Night, we build not only awareness and understanding but also lasting relationships that support the academic and emotional growth of our students.

At Whitman Middle School, we believe in the power of diversity and community, and Multicultural Family Night is a reflection of that belief. We look forward to continuing this tradition every year, making our school a place where everyone feels welcome and celebrated.