The day was filled with fun from a variety of cultures and included a fashion show, community connection, and great food. Warrendale Student and Family Liaison Juanamia Kelley organized the event and said she was inspired when parents asked for an event that celebrated the cultures that make up the school community.
Kelley brought it to school leaders who approved the event and got to work. Reading Academic Specialist Annie Golick and Middle School English Language Arts Teacher Ri’Onna Clements also volunteered their help. Golick helped organize a cultural fashion show and Clements had students do research projects related to cultures around the world.
Student work was displayed for everyone to view as they came together in the school gym. A handful of local vendors were also set up, selling different snacks and pieces of clothing steeped in the traditions of their culture. With Warrendale offering this connection to the community, it should come as no surprise the school has outperformed the local district since the 2011.
Another engaging feature was the student fashion show organized by Golick. Students from different backgrounds wore clothes to represent their culture, showing off outfits from around the world. The crowd enjoyed seeing the students, showering them with applause as they took their turn walking the runway.
Families could also visit a pair of food trucks on site, a soft pretzel truck and a soul food truck. Kelley said they soul food truck was especially popular, and the mac and cheese was a hit.
The day concluded with a special giveaway from Admissions Representative Rachael Cash-Dail: one lucky student took home their own bicycle. First-grader Omarianna Johnson was the winner and was excited for her new wheels.
Kelley said events like Multicultural Day are important for students because it helps them feel involved.
“I want everyone to feel that they belong,” Kelley said. “I want them to know they are loved, they are cared for. It’s good to have an event where everyone can come out and mingle and meet everyone.”
Such a great event, Warrendale! Keep up the great work!
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About Warrendale Charter Academy
Warrendale Charter Academy is a tuition-free, public charter school in Detroit, Michigan, serving students in kindergarten through eighth grade. It is part of the National Heritage Academies (NHA®) network, which includes more than 100 tuition-free, public charter schools serving more than 65,000 students in kindergarten through 12th grade across nine states. For more information, visit nhaschools.com.
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