The evening before Killeen ISD began spring break, parents, students and educators at Early College High School packed the gym in celebration of culture.
Following a shared dinner of donated dishes, guests cheered loudly, swayed to varied music and looked on with awed appreciation as students brought to life the sounds and traditions of their own and their peers’ vastly varied ethnic backgrounds.
From the gentle, rhythmic waves of Hawaii and Tahiti to a mix of the rich beauty of the expansive African continent, the Caribbean islands, a taste of the Latin quinceañera tradition, a breathtaking Bollywood dance feature and a piercing solo performance.
The event concluded with a favorite – the parade of flags, this year featuring 40 national flags, which students carried into the gym to the cheers of the audience.
With the bright-colored banners spread across the floor, senior Ngone Lo thanked the crowd and her peers for the beautiful moment.
The founder of the school’s fashion club, Lo, expressed the importance of the multicultural night to her school and her confidence that the legacy would continue beyond the current student body.
“We all come together to celebrate with our families and friends, and this is a very special moment for all of us,” said Lo. “This is my final year and I’m so grateful this is how it ends, and I’m grateful for everyone. It’s emotional to see all the support.”
Multicultural Night began eight years ago with a survey, Spanish teacher Meghan Gilliam said. She and coach Josephine Maxey coordinated this year’s event.
That survey, aimed at Early College High School sophomores, revealed 67 different cultures represented in that single class, Gilliam said.
“This revelation made it clear that we needed to create a space for students to celebrate their heritage while also learning about the traditions of others,” she said.
“The scholars get together and learn the dances,” said Principal Kathleen Burke. “Each dance troupe has a leader steeped in the culture and choreographs the dance.”
In some cases, student groups begin in September putting their act together. Up to the night of the performance, they rehearse before and after school. “It is electric,” said Burke.
In 2018, the celebration of culture started with a bulletin board that expanded through the hallways and drew in the entire school.
“Over time, Multicultural Night became a beloved tradition at Early College, growing into a highly anticipated annual event.”
Students form their own groups, design their own costumes and choreography and conduct numerous rehearsals.
Four years ago, an enterprising freshman, Ngone Lo, founded a fashion club that added to the established tradition and guided the culminating parade of flags.
Killeen ISD Early College High School is a partnership between the school district and Central Texas College and allows students to pursue their two-year college degree as they complete high school diploma requirements.
Its students apply to attend the specialized high school and come from every corner of KISD, which is the fourth most diverse school district in Texas.
“We strive to provide students with unique experiences that broaden their perspective,” said Gilliam. “In a world where division often overshadows unity, events like Multicultural Night serve as a powerful reminder of the beauty in diversity.”
“We live in one of the most diverse cities,” said Burke, “and it is important to celebrate all our cultures with pride as we strive to help all scholars succeed…We are many, but we are one pride.”
Multicultural Night photo gallery: https://www.flickr.com/photos/killeenisd/albums/72177720324419121
