By Katie Vasquez
Classrooms at St. Joan of Arc School reflect the global makeup of the surrounding community, where more than a dozen languages are spoken by students and families.
“Jackson Heights is called the world in one neighborhood, so of course our school represents that diversity,” said Agnes Mosejczuk, principal of St Joan of Arc School. “We have so many cultures in our school.”
That diversity was on full display during the school’s annual Cultural Day, when students were allowed to skip their uniforms and proudly wear traditional clothing representing their ancestry.
Sixth grader Giovanni Salgado-Gordillo showcased attire from Guatemala, along with its customs and traditions.
“Traditional clothing the people wear in every way. Guatemala. Typical. And dances or traditional parties,” he said.
“This outfit that I am wearing is from Guayaquil, it’s a city in Ecuador,” said sixth grader, Kayla Novillo.
The day began with a Mass celebrated by retired Brooklyn Auxiliary Bishop Octavio Cisneros, during which students delivered readings in 12 different languages, including French, Gaelic, Spanish, and Albanian.
Seventh grader Leon Mitnot, whose parents are from France, participated in the multilingual readings.
“That was fun,” Mitnot said. “I don’t do it that much, but I’m happy to spread the language in church. I think it was really fun.”
Following Mass, students gathered in the school gym to share a variety of dishes representing their diverse cultural backgrounds.
Eighth grader Maleyah Millare said the celebration creates a welcoming environment for everyone.
“I think it’s beautiful that we get to bring our own traditions and we don’t have to hide them,” Millare said. “We gather people from all around the world to eat, to feast, and to pray together as one.”
For Kunga Paljor, also an eighth grader, the day was about sharing personal history.
“I felt really excited because I wanted to show where I’m from and my history,” Paljor said. “I want to spread awareness about my culture.”
Bishop Cisneros said the celebration served as a powerful reminder of unity.
“We are from different countries, with different colors and accents,” he said. “We are all different, yet we are all the same. We are all children of God.”