South Florida is a cultural melting pot, and Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, FL, is no different. Our 3,100 students represent a wide variety of cultures, which we celebrate intentionally 365 days of the year.
We also hold two showcases each year to put a spotlight on where we come from. Our multicultural showcase takes place in the fall, and every February we host a Black History Showcase. In both instances, the students do everything themselves, from planning and curating the event to designing sets, costumes, and programs.
The show is about 90 minutes and features musical performances from our step team and choir, as well as a majorette performance. The students in the audience also participate by cheering and celebrating each act. We offer two shows for the students during school, and at night we open the performance to parents and the community. It’s sold out every year.
Our staff approves every number and performance ahead of time, but this is a student-led event. This year 85 students participated in everything from choreography, dancing, set design, program design, writing scripts, and storytelling. There are roles for anyone who wants to participate, even if they would prefer to be behind the scenes or contribute in a less visible way.
Another by-product of planning an event like this is that sometimes conflict arises, which I welcome, because celebrating our diversity is a way to embrace all the ways we are different. The culture of our school embraces our diversity, and that extends to conversations as well. While a teacher or staff member facilitates all the planning conversations, sometimes students have different opinions, which is a wonderful opportunity to teach how to disagree in a respectful way and honor each viewpoint.
After listening to each other, the students always find a solution. As staff, we use all the opportunities we have to give students autonomy and teach them life skills. That’s part of what student voice is all about.
For more on Black History Month, check out previous School of Thought posts by students and school leaders.
