Steinert High School has a diverse community that joined together as one to celebrate the many cultures inside of the Spartan community. Steinert’s 2nd Multicultural Night took place on November 21, 2023 inside of the Steinert cafeteria. 13 tables were set up to display different cultures and parts of the world. Students represented cultures from multiple designated tables including: Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Uzbekistan, China, Korea, Mexico, Ecuador, Haiti, Egypt, Liberia, India, Brazil, Venezuela.

The event portrayed the idea that although Hamilton is a small town, it is made up of people with different backgrounds. Mrs. Bogdan, the organizer of this event, mentioned that her main purpose for pushing out this event is to promote diversity and the acceptance of different cultures. “I think it’s important to help students feel acceptance in a country that is multicultural to begin with and especially new students to the country or Hamilton Township. It’s just important to help them feel that their cultures and their nationalies are accepted and welcome.”

Mrs. Bogdan made sure that students had the opportunity to express themselves and connect through their differences at the Multicultural Night. New students that struggled with feeling welcomed in our school now had the chance to embrace their identity, such as the music that they listen to, the food that they eat and the unique clothing that is worn by their people. Mr. Cooper, who is the advisor for the Black Student Union, believes “It’s really important for other cultures to see us in all of our glory, whether that be attire, food, music, or dance, because then we are celebrated. They will see the differences and cultures to be beautiful.” Other students had the chance to experience something they aren’t used to. They saw the beauty that lies within various cultures. It gave students an insight and a new perspective into the individual lifestyles of their peers. 

There were ethnic performances by girls from the Black Student Union and a bhangra duet that caught the eye of many. The crowd circled around the performers and cheered for them as they performed. The cafeteria was filled with smiles, bright colors, and music. Along with the music came the food that all were welcome to try. The crowd tasted kinds of food they had never experienced before and instantly fell in love with what other cultures had to offer. 

Many people were exposed to a life different from their own and it was truly a beautiful thing to experience. Students and staff members connected in a way they never had before and the evening ended with each individual learning something new about their peers and where they come from. It stemmed from the idea that all of us are one. As Mrs. Bogdan would say, “You are me and I am you.”