Parade of Nations 2025 - Ms. Kelley Dodd and Ms. Cristina McClelland
Parade of Nations 2025 - Ms. Kelley Dodd and Ms. Cristina McClelland
Embedded Files
Our Multicultural Assembly is a vibrant celebration of unity and cultural pride, bringing together cultural clubs for an incredible showcase of talent and heritage. Events like these foster inclusivity and a deep sense of belonging, highlighting the beauty of our diverse community.
One of Independence High School’s most cherished traditions is the Parade of Nations, a breathtaking performance that takes place each year at the Multicultural Assembly.
A heartfelt thank you to Ms. Dodd, Ms. McClelland, and our amazing dancers for making this event so special!
Be sure to check out our Instagram @wearesixers for a glimpse into this unforgettable celebration of culture!
El Dia de los Muertos Celebration - Sra. Guadalupe Alvarez
El Dia de los Muertos Celebration - Sra. Guadalupe Alvarez
Each year, students in our World Language classes and Latinx Student Union observe Día de los Muertos through an innovative project that fosters creativity. Led by our Spanish language teachers Sra. Alvarez, Sra. Carrillo, Sr. Gomez-Zavala, and Sr. Galvan, this lesson encourages students to honor deceased loved ones and explore the concept of legacies, reflecting on how these are transmitted across generations. During the presentation, Sra. Alvarez, who also serves as LSU advisor, honored IHS staff members who are no longer with us, but served our students and community with love. Here at Independence, we not only promote academics, but also foster learning that connects students to significant cultural values.
“I love how creative the Spanish department was by creating multiple Día de Los Muertos altars for their students to see and learn more about the holiday. I thought it was a beautiful holiday and I love the meaning behind it. It showed students how important it is to learn about other cultures and how beautiful it can be. I think next year we should open it up to all students at independence and allow people to place the photos of their own loved ones on them to create a sense of community at school. I really appreciate Ms. Alvarez and all the other Spanish teachers and our LSU Club for putting the effort in to make it for us!” ~Alumni, Class of 2023
Schnitzelfest- Herr Jamin Lynch, Frau Helga McHugh
Schnitzelfest- Herr Jamin Lynch, Frau Helga McHugh
On Monday and Tuesday, January 29-30, 2024 Herr Lynch, Frau McHugh, the German Club, and German classes prepared for and celebrated Schnitzelfest in C-Commons!
“Something about Schnitzelfest that I really enjoy is the trial and error that I experienced when it came to making my dish. The first time I made it, it turned out horrible, but the second time, we got to learn from our mistakes and we put a lot more effort and care into reading the instructions and preparing it. [The dish] turned out really well and I feel really proud of me and my partner for overcoming that obstacle. I feel like that's something that's really big in German class, because you always make mistakes but you learn from them and you end up doing better than you did before because of those mistakes.” ~Kyle Repman, Sophomore
“In the German program, we’ve done many interesting things. I love the German class because it gives me the opportunity to do many new things that I wouldn't have wanted to do otherwise. I get to meet people and learn about different cultures and different things that they do, like food, music, and slang. I really enjoy being in the program. Being able to be at Schnitzelfest and all of the other German events is really fun and it has really shaped my year as a freshman. I plan on taking [German] for 4 years even though it's not required. If you get in the German program you even get the chance to host a German at home and you will even get the chance to go to Germany.” ~Linus Gutierrez, Freshman
Through our World Languages programs, our Sixers are learning about new cultures and new languages. They are using challenges and mistakes to improve. And, of course,they learn life skills including respectful communication and problem solving. We are proud to share that two of our alumni who participated in the IHS German program under Herr Lynch– Mr. Ho (Science) and Ms. Dang (Social Science)-- are now two IHS staff members making a positive impact in our community! We are Respectful. We Are Sixers!
The IHS Schnitzelfest tradition began in 1976 and gained “cult status” in 2009. 2009 was a year for the ages, as Ms. Professorin Magistra Ceciliä "Zizi" Däng was crowned the first and still reigning Schnitzelkaiserin (Schnitzel Empress)
Sushi Making Day in English 2
Sushi Making Day in English 2
By Mr. Paul Fernandes, English Teacher
After reading Farewell to Manzanar and four weeks of intensive study of Japanese-American history, the massive impact Japanese farmers had reaping the rich soil in this valley, fishermen and their families under so much suspicion, the internment, the Art of Gaman, the 442 Regimental Combat Team, Ronald Reagan's eloquent apology for the nation, Norm Mineta, Kristy Yamaguchi's local story and roots, even my late dentist Jerry Hiura's profound influence on the Arts here, and more, I brought in sushi making supplies and ingredients and the students went to town!
We caught glimpses of each other's full face during moments of eating. I would not recognize most of the kids on the street not wearing a mask.
Learning is not just about understanding the text or knowing the facts, but the experiences and connections made in the classroom!
Page updated
Report abuse