The Diversity Show, a performance run by Victor J. Andrew’s beloved Project Diversity, has recently sold out two days of the Performing Arts Center with their stunning production. Spotlighting six different cultural regions, hundreds of Andrew students dance while displaying their heritage in Project Diversity. But how do individual students feel about the club, and should you consider participating in the following year? Here are real student opinions about their experience in Project Diversity:

“How does the Project Diversity Show work?”

“Diversity is a dance show that explores the various dances throughout the world. Between the six regions: Africa, Middle East, Europe, Latin America, South Asia, and Southeast Asia, dances are created with traditional, modern, and advanced moves. Starting in September or August, we begin practicing our individual group dances, all choreographed and taught by the region's student leaders. When we get closer to show day in late January to early February, students start practicing their region, unity, and/or leader dances in front of the club's sponsors, president and vice president. In preparation for the show, we begin doing full rehearsals where we dress and practice the fashion shows. During the fashion shows, students model the unique traditional outfits of their region. Throughout the week, Diversity is in full effect as students in different regions blend together as we share our traditional foods and teach each other our cultural dances. On show days, nerves are definitely present but the overwhelming support from all different regions helps performers focus on having fun and hyping the crowd.”

-Saja Bader, Junior, Middle East

“What does Project Diversity mean to you?”  

       “To me, Diversity means family. I’ve spent so much time with my region that we've bonded over learning our culture’s dances, traditions, and customs. I believe that this club makes strong connections through the different people of each region, and that's what makes Diversity, Diversity! Every region is so unique with the dances they perform yearly, and I can't wait to see what next year brings!”

-Hasel Inocencio, Sophomore, Southeast Asia

“What have you learned through Project Diversity?”

“I was one of the leaders of the region Southeast Asia and one of the most important things I have learned is how to become a better leader, friend, and performer through Project Diversity! Also, through the five months of practice, I have increased my ability of time management with constructing the dances, school, and extracurricular activities.”

-Gaby Lapera, Junior, Southeast Asia

“Project Diversity has taught me to embrace not only my culture but other cultures as well. It has also helped me to understand different cultural experiences and their similarities to mine. The differences from each region definitely bring us all together.”

-Osayuware Otokiti, Sophomore, Africa

“What was your favorite part of Project Diversity?”    

“My favorite was the weekly Sunday practices with my region because it brought my group and I together, which then resulted in all of us becoming closer. There were tons of other parts of diversity, but without these practices, I wouldn't have the connections and memories

 with everyone.”

-Gaby Lapera, Junior, Southeast Asia

“What are some benefits in participating in Project Diversity?   

“Some benefits from participating in diversity are you get to meet so many new and amazing people, learn more about your own culture, and learn dances that are inspired by your culture. I personally enjoyed it so much and want to do it the rest of my years in high school.”  

 -Anjal Jose, Sophomore, South Asia

“Benefits in participating in Diversity is connecting with your culture, the people in your culture, and being able to educate others about your culture. Performing is also an amazing benefit in joining Diversity as well.”

-Haneen Salah, Sophomore, Middle East

“What would you say to those curious about joining Project Diversity?”  

“...I would tell them to join. Project Diversity has helped me in so many ways and I would love it if others could also experience that. Last year as a freshman, I didn't know many people, but joining Diversity helped me meet new people that I relate so much with. It helped me become friends with some people that I have known for years but had never talked to before…It's truly such a bonding experience when the upperclassman help you by giving amazing advice whether it's regarding school or something that is currently happening in your life. The main reason I love Project Diversity is because of all the new people I met and became friends with. Practicing with these people have truly made us closer and made show week even more memorable. I truly appreciate everything Project Diversity has given me, and I'm looking forward to next year.”

-Nathaniah, Sophomore, South Asia

“I would say you should do it because you only have four years of high school. I’ve met so many people just from Diversity because it offers an opportunity to connect with people from different backgrounds and cultures. It’s overall just a really fun experience. The sense of unity is something special, like a diverse family where everyone uplifts one another.”

–Elana Lukose, Sophomore, South Asia

So what are you waiting for, T-Bolts? Join and support Project Diversity!

    The Bears can likely have an adequate year in the 2024-2025 season. Now, Bears fans tend to get their hopes up every year, and usually the team disappoints them, but with a new offensive coordinator, a third year general manager, the third most cap space in the league, and the number one and nine pick in this years draft, there are plenty of reasons the Bears could have a successful season. 

A key factor in why they could be so much better than last year is due to firing Luke Getsy and hiring Shane Waldron. Luke Getsy had some terrible playcalls last year, like running wide receiver screen passes on third and long. This is one example of many that proves he is not aggressive at all, and when you don’t have an aggressive offense, you’re likely to not put up many points. Shane Waldron was the Seahawks offensive coordinator last year. Additionally, the general manager, Ryan Poles, likes to go out and get great players. He signed Montez Sweat about halfway through the season, and he ranked 10th in sacks this year with 12.5. He was a great addition to the defensive line. Last year, Poles completely fleeced the Carolina Panthers and traded our 1st round pick last year for their first round pick this year (ended up being the 1st overall pick), the 9th overall pick, and a second round pick last year which gave them two great players, DJ Moore, a star wide receiver, and a 2025 2nd round pick. Now, the Bears have the opportunity to do the same thing. They can trade the first overall pick for a haul, or draft any player they want. 

The #1 quarterback prospect is Caleb Williams, and many people believe if the Bears do decide to keep their pick, they’ll draft him. Another possibility is to trade the first pick down to second and then third, because Washington and New England are picks 2 and 3, and they both are in need of a quarterback. If the Bears decide to do this, they would get a wide receiver named Marvin Harrison, Jr. People are comparing him to all-time greats like Randy Moss. The reason the Bears would want to trade down and pick Harrison, Jr. is because they know Washington and New England are picking a quarterback. This way, the Bears would get the pick they want plus more picks like a third or fourth round pick.

 Since the Bears have money to spend, they can spend it on a star or spend it on multiple good players to make the team better overall. It’ll be interesting to see what the Bears will decide to do in the upcoming offseason, draft, and how they will perform in the 2024-2025 season.