May 2nd was Kingsway’s annual Multicultural Assembly, where students from various backgrounds, ethnicities, and cultures came together to create a beautiful performance. This year’s assembly was specifically dance, presented by Kingsway’s World Cultures Club, and overseen by co-advisors Jessica Cheng and Patricia Villarreal.
After opening remarks from Mrs. Cheng & Ms. Villarreal, the program started with Asian culture. Jace Chen presented a Chinese poem, accompanied by pianist Vianna Staino, and then performed in the Interpretive Chinese Fan Dance, including Jace Chen, Daltan Nguyen, Gabrielle Cato, Grace Xiao, Maya Jaiswal, and Michael Sarullo-Zaalook.
The celebration moved into South Asia, with an energetic, peppy Bollywood performance done by dancers Mishi Chaturvedi, Krishani Parikh, Insia Bhagat, Anya Patel, Nina Lamalfa, Ella
Godek, Colin McCourt, Justin Lewis, Gabe Trexler, Jason Shallis, Shiven Shah, and Arya Patel.
Afterwards came another lively, vibrant Bollywood/Kollywood dance performance done by Elaina Palenchar, Ojasvi Gaekwad, Maya Jaiswal, Femy Alam, Prarthana Meganathan, and Nethiri Umashanger.
Then, the performance moved into another culture, with Yulia Bidula introducing the region through a Ukrainian poem. Turkish dancers Ayse naz Dolek, Merve Odabas, Akif Kalender, Juan A Maldonado jr., Violet Kornegy, Saliha Onal presented a rich, traditional Turkish dance followed by Michael Driscoll, Sean Crisfulla, Elsa Edenzon, Natalia Campbell, Jacob Reeves, and Talia Allen with a cheerful Hungarian dance.
The assembly then moved into Spanish and Latin culture with Shi’La Maldonado presenting an introductory poem, and performers Jun A Maldonando Jr., Luz Escamilla Lopez, Keylin
Escamilla Lopez, Jandiel Martinez Santiago, Shi’La Maldonado, Alexandra Cadena Maciel, Silvana Gonzalez Gotera, Youvica Reyes Myrthil, Warryn Phillips, Frank Martinez Carrillo, Dulce Recinos, and Nayshla Vera Alicea absolutely rocked the stage Bachata/Merengue.
Next came twins, Joseline and Jaqueline Hernandez, presenting a vivacious Mexican folk dance followed by the much awaited reggaeton featuring Juan A Maldonando Jr., Luz Escamilla Lopez,
Keylin Escamilla Lopez, Justin Lewis, India Bhagat, Krishani Parikh, Mishi Chaturvedi, Jandiel Martinez Santiago, Shi’La Maldonando, Alexandra Cadena Maciel, Dulce Recinos, Silvana Gonzalez Gotera, Youvica Reyes Myrthil, and Elsa Endenzon.
Finally, the assembly moved into the last culture: Black/African. Speaker Gabrielle Kiner started off the culture with a remarkable poem, and afterwards, exuberant performers Raevyn Bryant and Rayvonne Roberson enacted an Afro-Caribbean dance. The program concluded with a crowd favorite, Hip Hop/ R&B, and was danced by Violey Kornegay, Elsa Edenzon, Kamiah
Schofield, Logan Hines, Dianely Flores, Gabrielle Cato, Haley Blair, and Makynna Cottemond!
All the performers came out for final bows, dancing to a spirited line dance, and all individuals involved in the show were applauded. Special thanks go to stage crew members Mia Mendez and Annie Girard, Mrs. Bjanes, Mr. Ritter, Mr. Carpenter, Mrs. Fox-Manno, and, of course, the incredible advisors.
This year’s Kingsway’s multicultural assembly was not just about celebrating cultural diversity, but also educating students about these different ethnicities, filled with Kingsway news segments educating students about the various cultures and backgrounds of Kingsway students. Kingsway’s Multicultural Week and performance is more than just a program; it is a lovely celebration of cultural diversity here in Kingsway’s community!
By Nethiri Umashanger
