By ALEXIA KADOTA-BROWNER
Photos by JONAH ELKOWITZ
The Jericho United Club presented this year’s diversity day performance with the theme of immigration. There were performances during the school day for students as well as evening performance for families and friends.
The production showcased a wide variety of cultures beginning with a classical Indian dance by seniors Dia S. and Devika R. accompanied by the singing of Shruthi S. Sophomore Noa K. said, “Shruthi’s singing was incredible. It added an extra layer of excellence to the performance.”
Next was a skit presented by the Spanish Honor Society which brought attention to language barriers that immigrants face every day. The aim of the skit was to teach everyone to be more understanding, and help each other out when there are problems with communication.
French Honor Society president Sabrina B. sang a French song accompanied by a video showcasing children from all around the world. Sophomore Louisa A. said, “The video made me feel grateful for being a US citizen and having the privilege to enjoy the luxuries that we have here.”
Junior Steven G. followed Sabrina and sang a Filipino song while playing the cuatro, a Venezuelan instrument. Sophomore Laura M. said, “His voice was fantastic. I was truly amazed by his talent.” Sarah S. followed with an Italian opera piece which was well received. Freshman Ashley C. said “She was very talented and had the ability to move the audience with her singing. ”
The audience enjoyed the very trendy K-pop performance featuring 3 dance groups. Sophomore Marcos Y. said, “I think it was cool, and so impressive that the students were able to pull off a wonderful performance. You could tell how hard they worked on their acts.” Sophomore Brandon J. added, “I thought it was very cool, and I appreciated their cool moves. The music was nice, and it was an all-around enjoyable performance.”
Sophomore Ridhwan A. who is new to Jericho this year read a poem “If They Should Come for Us” while wearing traditional Indian attire, and junior twin sisters Saipranati and Saipranavi K. ignited the stage with their brilliant musical performance of the veena, a traditional Indian instrument.
The GSA club shared a PowerPoint presentation to inform students about the club, and to encourage students to support one another, and not to judge people for who they love or how they identify.
An energetic Bollywood dance by Shriya B., Tanisha L., Rishika N., Riya P., and Shreya P. got the crowd pumped. Sophomore Gabriella F. said, “Their vibrant costumes gave us a glimpse at Indian culture. The performance was fun and energetic and was interesting to watch.”
Zhuolin C., and Julia Z. performed a Japanese song, and then the show concluded with senior Jordan Y. and junior Mikaylah M. reciting a Black Lives Matter poem. Jordan explained her motivations. “We wanted to spread awareness and bring light to the issue of police brutality toward unarmed African Americans. We wanted to show our school what’s really going on in the world, and try to make a call for action, ” she said.
Even in a very diverse school like Jericho, most students don’t fully appreciate the cultures of others. Freshman Corrine D. said, “I was truly amazed by what the students were able to pull off. They clearly put a lot of work into their acts, and it showed by the moving performances that they put on.”
