Cultural Expo Kicks Off Year at Jack Abrams School

The new year was kicked off in splendid fashion at Jack Abrams STEM Magnet School as a standing room only auditorium crowd turned out for the always popular cultural expo. Huntington UFSD’s language honor societies collaborated on the event.

“This year the event began with more than 70 students performing cultural songs and dances from Korea and Venezuela under the direction of music teacher Josephine Greco,” Principal Donna Moro said.

A cultural fashion show followed and it brought down the house. Participating were nearly 20 students representing countries from around the world, including Vietnam, Columbia, Peru, Cameroon, China, El Salvador, Nigeria, England, Ireland, Mexico, Puerto Rico and Honduras.

“Following the song, dance and fashion show families participated in a gallery walk around the building viewing demonstrations of learning from each class,” Ms. Moro said. “The evening was a beautiful celebration of the rich cultures that exist in the Huntington community.”

There were creative crafts activities and delicious desserts, too. “The event was a vibrant celebration of diversity and an opportunity for sixth grade students and their families to explore the languages they can choose to study in seventh grade,” said Judy Moroff, district director for bilingual programs and world languages.

“The event offered younger students and their families a valuable opportunity to engage with cultural experiences prior to selecting a language of study, while also learning about secondary-level world language programs and meeting program educators,” teacher Kyle Engel said.

The large crowd included district Superintendent Beth McCoy, who was thrilled with how delightful the evening was. The students themselves were proud of their efforts, singing, dancing and parading through the crowd at the fashion show as well as those who made the class demonstrations so successful.

“Teachers and student members of the honor societies played a pivotal role in this event, guiding families through the various activities and helping them learn about the rich cultural backgrounds behind each language,” Mrs. Moroff said. “It’s incredible to see our students take such pride in their languages and cultures. This event not only promotes learning but also builds community among families and students.”

Across the different languages, teachers and students joined Mrs. McCoy in viewing the event as delightful.

“As a world language teacher, it is such a pleasure to see families come together to celebrate the cultural diversity in their community,” teacher Natalia Kopshti said. “Our Italian students were so proud to share their passion for the language and culture by creating Venetian masks worn during Carnevale in Italy. It was also a wonderful opportunity to promote the importance of language learning in our schools.”

Latin language students were also on the scene at the event. “Members of Huntington’s High School’s Latin classes proudly represented our program at the district’s multicultural expo, welcoming elementary students to explore Ancient Rome through hands-on activities and student-led conversations,” teacher Kristin Fortunato said. “Younger students asked questions, viewed projects and fun facts, posed for photos with our Roman gladiator photo booth, and even created mini mosaics using beans in a Roma-inspired art activity. The experience fostered meaningful connections between students and showcased the excitement and community within our Latin program and our world language program in general.”

Finley Italian teacher Michelle Viani said the evening allowed Huntington language teachers to work together across buildings to promote their craft for intermediate grade level families.

“Huntington’s Italian students engaged families in Venetian mask making, which was a hit,” Ms. Viani said. “Finley Italian students were especially enthusiastic and proud to showcase their Italian language and interest in the Italian program to younger students. I enjoyed seeing parents from past students that I’ve had and learning that their siblings will be taking Italian, too.”

Members of La Société Honoraire de Français at the high school were equally excited to participate in the cultural expo and to recognize the impressive efforts that the younger students made creating research projects about different cultures.

“We were also eager to share our many memories of our academic, social, and cultural activities as students in the French program while offering delicious French Bread with Brie and Chèvre aux herbes de Provence to those who desired a small taste of France,” teacher Dr. Gina Marie Molvaut said. “Jack Abrams School students were also able to ‘take a picture’ on Bourbon Street with the King of Mardi Gras, REX, and get a tattoo representing francophone cultures as a souvenir. Undoubtedly, the connections being made at this amazing event were inspiring to all.”