The entire student body gathered to celebrate different cultures from around the world at the annual Multicultural Assembly on Feb. 12.

The assembly included a vast array of student performers such as Middle Eastern, Irish and Salsa Dancers. Students recited a Maya Angelou’s quote in various languages, including Vietnamese, Hindi, the language of India; Mandarin, Greek, Latin, Spanish, Tagalog, the language of the Philippines; Italian and French.

The quote was: “We can learn to see each other and see ourselves in each other and recognize that human beings are more alike than we are different.”

Senior Anna Do read a reflection on what it means to be a refugee. Classical guitarists senior Joe Rupprecht and junior Jess Valerino played a Spanish style of music known as Flamenco. The CBA Dance team and the Step Team also performed.

Distinguished Alumni Patrick Morelli ’62, a sculptor, painter, and site-specific architectural designer was the featured speaker.  His presentation was based on the television original series, Roots. His major public works of art include the ten-foot, bronze father-and-infant “BEHOLD” Monument to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This was dedicated by Mrs. Coretta Scott King and overlooks Dr. Martin Luther King’s tomb at the King National Historic Site in Atlanta, Ga. “Behold” is a permanent collection in the Smithsonian Institute’s America Art Museum in Washington, DC.

The celebration concluded with a special tribute to the flags of the world and a song, which was composed by junior Tom Benz and choreographed by junior Serena Schmitt.

Irish Dancers Claire Hammerschmidt, Erika Mayette and Elizabeth Hammerschmidt.

The CBA Step Team

Junior Jess Valerino and senior Joe Rupprecht