Centennial High Celebrates Diversity at International Festival

Published April 11, 2014

Centennial High School held its 1st Annual International Festival April 4 in Franklin. The event was the culmination of a week's worth of activities as students and staff celebrated International Week March 31-April 4.

Throughout the week, students played in an international soccer tournament, answered daily trivia questions on cultural topics and held an international pep rally which featured a Parade of Nations and a school-wide Zumba Fest.

On April 4, students, parents and community members were invited to attend the International Festival where they got to sample international food in the cafeteria and watch a student fashion show. The evening capped off with an international dance featuring music and dancing from around the globe.

“I never realized that we had such a diverse student population," said CHS student and Co-President of Latino Achievers Andrea Jacinto. "We had students representing over 40 different countries.”

Organizers say the event was a huge success and they're already planning for next year.

“The purpose of beginning this event was to create an opportunity to recognize the diversity and culture that makes Centennial unique and special," said Centennial World Languages Teacher Erin Caceres. "My hope is that we can make this bigger and better every year and expand the festival to include the outside community. I think the students were able to appreciate and enjoy the enriching environment created by bringing together people of different languages, cultures and perspectives.”