Young Scholars students continue tradition of celebrating International Mother Language Day

Young Scholar’s of Central Pennsylvania’s auditorium was in joyous chaos Friday morning, as students and families prepared to showcase parts of their cultures and first languages, from Japanese calligraphy to storytelling to Turkish music.

The schoolwide celebration is held ahead of International Mother Language Day on Feb. 21, which has become an annual event for the families of Young Scholars since the school’s founding in 2005.

Spanish teacher Angela Sanchez said the day is not only a way for students to show off their own cultures, but also to learn from the students around them.

“We embrace multiculturalism every day,” Sanchez said. “We are not just respecting different cultures, but embracing them and expanding our hearts and minds in a way. We understand that different cultures are going to enrich our lives.”

Students put on a fashion show, gave presentations and spoke in their first languages throughout the morning. Students in grades 6-8 put on a puppet show for students and families incorporating both Spanish and Chinese, the two languages all Young Scholars students learn.

Fifteen countries were represented by students including Ghana, Nigeria, Japan, China and France. Helena Khan, the school’s English Second Language coordinator, said the day’s activities help students take pride in their home cultures.

“They were very proud because they felt like they were representing their country today,” Khan said.

But the celebration is just as much for the parents as it is for the kids, principal and CEO Levent Kaya said. He said Young Scholars is built on its commitment to multiculturalism and appeals to immigrant families or those with diverse backgrounds. International Mother Language Day is a way for the school to continue to make those families feel welcomed and part of the school community.

“Being able to showcase or culture showcase who you are, is very valuable, and they feel welcomed in this country,” Kaya said. “They feel welcome in the school.”