Valencia High School hosted its first International Culture Night on Wednesday, Sept. 18, inviting the Santa Clarita community to celebrate cultural diversity. The event brought together students and clubs from high schools in the Hart District, including Castaic, Valencia, Saugus, Hart, West Ranch, Canyon and Golden Valley, to showcase their unique heritages. From vibrant dances reflecting different traditions to interactive booths offering samples of authentic food, attendees were immersed in the rich flavors, sounds and colors of cultures worldwide. A highlight of the night was the opportunity to draw flags with chalk while marveling at the adjacent rows of country flags draping the entrance symbolizing the unity of the global community.
Valencia High School senior and student event organizer Maya Yiadom shared the inspiration behind the celebration: “International Culture Night was heavily inspired by my elementary school’s similar event. Being of Ghanaian and Korean descent, I wanted to create a space where students could proudly share their cultures with others.” Yiadom aimed to bring the schools together in a way that fostered collaboration instead of the competition often seen in sports and other events. “We wanted to unify all the schools in the district and create an inclusive environment for everyone to celebrate who they are,” she added.
Planning the event was no small feat. Yiadom and fellow event coordinator Maddox Espinosa, spent nearly five months organizing the night, coordinating with vendors and performance groups to bring the celebration to life. “The process was intense, but we had a lot of support,” she recalled, giving special credit to her school ASB for their efforts during the event. However, representatives from schools acr
oss the district, including Castaic, Golden Valley and West Ranch, also played an essential role in ensuring everything ran smoothly.
One standout booth was hosted by Filipino clubs from several schools, including West Ranch, Valencia and Saugus. West Ranch senior Jacob Almaria spoke passionately about his pride in representing the Philippines. “We’re known for our music, our dancing and our sense of community. It’s amazing to see everyone enjoying the food and learning about our culture,” Almaria expressed. With posters and tri-folds detailing the rich history of the Philippines, the booth attracted many curious visitors, eager to sample Filipino dishes and learn more about the country’s vibrant culture.
Valencia senior Calah Rounsaville represented the Black Student Union (BSU), focusing on spreading the love for soul food. “You don’t have to be Black to enjoy good food,” Rounsaville emphasized with a smile. Her booth’s classic mac and cheese was a huge hit, disappearing within the first hour of the event. “A lot of our food has roots in the South, and Black people have really made it their own,” she explained. The BSU booth highlighted how food can be a powerful connector across cultures, and the community’s enthusiastic response spoke volumes about its success.
Despite the challenges of bringing such a large event to fruition, International Culture Night was an overwhelming success. From the food to the music to the meaningful conversations shared, it provided a unique platform for students to take pride in their heritage while fostering understanding across cultures.
As the night drew to a close, it was clear that this celebration of diversity had left a lasting impression on the Santa Clarita community.
