Young Scholars students celebrate cultural diversity

Most students who participated in the fashion show Friday morning at Young Scholars of Central Pennsylvania Charter School represented the country where they’re originally from.

About 70 students and 15 adult volunteers wore clothing from 27 countries, said English as a second language teacher and extended day coordinator Helena Khan.

But some students not affiliated with a particular international country also had no problem dressing in another country’s attire for the catwalk.

Eighth-grade student Kyra Gines, 13, dressed like a woman from Indonesia in a blouse-dress called a kebaya.

She represented Indonesia with Khan, who is originally from Bangladesh.

The year before last, Kyra represented Ghana.

“It’s just a fun way to learn about new cultures,” Kyra said. “It’s extra exciting, because we get a taste of where other students come from, and learn those cultures.”

The charter school held a combined celebration of the Chinese New Year and International Mother Language Day that organizer and Spanish teacher Meagan Arnold said included the fashion show and a student concert.

The clothes worn in the fashion show came from students’ families, while some were donated, Arnold said.

The event, which the school’s been holding for at least 10 years, fits its mission, said CEO Levent Kaya.

“We pride ourselves on cultural diversity,” he said. “We have many students who come from other countries or whose families come from elsewhere.”

Since the school’s inception in 2005 students have originally come from 65 countries, Kaya said.

And flags from the countries of those students are hanging in the multipurpose room.

Each year, at least one new flag is added, Kaya said.

“We’re always getting someone new from somewhere else,” Kaya said.

Arnold said parents were invited to the event that lasted all day Friday. Students then had Chinese food for lunch while celebrating the Chinese holiday.

“We celebrate culture every day, but enhance it for this day,” Arnold said. “It gives parents the opportunity to see our school environment, and find it to be a unique setting that encourages kids not to be afraid of differences. We like to celebrate other holidays like we do American holidays.”

This story was originally published February 5, 2016 at 5:51 PM with the headline "Young Scholars students celebrate cultural diversity."