Walking through the bustling hallways of Coppell High School, the first thing one might notice is its diverse student body.
With students from a plethora of different backgrounds, religions and cultural identities, the range of holidays celebrated by students is not limited. From Lunar New Year to Easter to Navaratri, CHS students celebrate them all.
With the diverse environment Coppell ISD makes an effort to make students feel included.
As fall ends, CHS9 prepares for their Diwali celebrations. The staff adorns the library with Hindu decorations, encouraging students to go to school in lehengas, saris and kurtas and indulge in traditional Indian foods.
Nearing the winter season, CISD schools arrange Christmas-related activities and decorations for students. Coppell Middle School East, for example, hosts an annual lottery system known around the school as “East Santa” where the school provides a gift from wishlists students can submit, chosen at random.
On the first full moon of the year, Lunar New Year starts. CHS celebrates Lunar New Year every year accompanied by games and traditional Chinese food. Hosted by CHS Chinese teacher Angela Voelker, students come together to celebrate.
When flowers start to bloom in the spring, Eid is celebrated. With a vast Muslim community at CHS, the Muslim Student Association and CHS Library host fun Eid arts and crafts activities for students to participate in.
One of the biggest school events at CHS is Heritage Night, a celebration of the student body’s diverse cultures. Students arrive in decorative traditional clothing, perform music and dances from their countries and clubs set up activities and food stalls sharing cultural activities and cuisine.
These cultural events give students a sense of comfort and bring them together. Students from diverse backgrounds gain exposure to holidays from all around the world.
It is important to participate in and learn about the different cultural activities so that students can learn about the diverse traditions of their peers. Doing so strengthens unity within the campus and brings a sense of comfort to students within various cultures.
For the years to come when you hear a friend of yours talking about a cultural event or holiday that they are celebrating, ask them about it. Engage with the cultures surrounding you – whether it comes from the decorations in the CHS Library or beyond. Be curious about other cultures and learn to embrace them.
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