Multicultural carnival starts a new tradition

Hatboro-Horsham (HH) recently held its first multicultural carnival at the stadium. The idea for a culture fair was something HH High School senior and editorial board editor Mahdia Ahmed brought up to Head Principal Williams during his sophomore year. Ahmed was inspired by events at Wissahickon and Upper Dublin school districts.

Many of the school’s affinity groups staffed tables at the event, including Black Student Union, Latin American Student Organization, Hindu Students Association (HSA), Muslim Student Cultural Association (MSCA), Gay-Straight Alliance, Asian Student Association, Jewish Student Union, Foreign Language Club and Students for Social Justice. Each table had a food item and an interactive element. Falafel at the MSCA table and henna at the HSA table were definitely favorites.

Ambler Kiwanis Club President Gene McGonigle made possible the famous Teacher Dunk Tank, an obstacle course, a jousting ring and a basketball inflatable. The little ones especially loved dunking all the teachers. In addition, there was a great selection of carnival games and backyard games. Some were borrowed from Hallowell and Simmons Elementary schools, but others, like Skeeball, were made by some of the Carnival Games Committee members like sophomore Katherine Schaffer.

The fashion show was also a highlight. Students posed as models and junior Katherine Jia wrote the script. Seeing how excited the little kids were when they went up to ask questions to the models reminded participants why the event was being held: to create an experience where families could come and have fun and walk away with a newfound knowledge and interest in inclusivity and diversity. Seeing all those smiling faces and happy families really made everyone’s day at the end of the day.

Written by HH High School Senior Mahdia Ahmed, Editorial Board editor