Every year, North Atlanta High School hosts various celebrations and assemblies to celebrate the cultural diversity of the student population, such as the Black History Month and Hispanic Heritage Month assemblies. This year, NAHS has added another program to expand the representation of all students: an Asian Arts performance. Set to make history, this is the first time North Atlanta has hosted a performance to celebrate any form of Asian culture. With the collaboration of different cultural clubs, this new assembly has been put together by students with a drive to promote inclusivity and share Asian culture with the school community.
After hearing the interest of several students in hosting an Asian arts performance, junior Sanjana Mendonca decided to find a way to make it happen. As the president of the Indian Culture Club, she rallied support from her fellow peers and sponsor teacher, Usha Patke, to attempt to establish the performance as a school-wide event. After waiting to gain approval from the school, the program was finally set to happen on Friday, April 19. “I felt like there wasn’t enough Asian representation throughout North Atlanta,” said Mendonca. “There are so many people who are interested in Asian culture and I can’t wait for us to celebrate it together.”
While Mendonca is responsible for starting this program, it would not have been possible without the collaboration of different culture clubs throughout the school. The Chinese Culture Club and the Indian Culture Club have worked together to compile a portfolio of talents for various acts in the program. By meeting after school in club meetings and during lunch to practice, the performance has a list of diverse activities anticipated to be seen on stage. This includes cultural dances, singing, painting, instrumental performances, and more. “There are a lot of talented students who are eager to share their culture,” said senior Lily Holt. “This performance is a great way to display the rich Asian culture found within the walls of North Atlanta.”
Asian students are not only ambitious to share their culture, but the school is also interested in learning more about it. With Asians only making up 2.3% of the population at NAHS, representation has not always been prominent. This performance will not only give students a chance to express their culture, but also foster understanding, appreciation, and respect for Asian culture. “The programs we host seek to expose and represent the diverse culture of North Atlanta,” said Assistant Principal Byron Barnes. “Expanding it to the Asian population is an exciting opportunity to continue that exposure and enrich the cultural fabric of our school community.”
As the curtains rise on North Atlanta High School’s first-ever Asian Arts performance, a new chapter in cultural celebration unfolds. What started as a vision fueled by the passion of students has now blossomed into a vibrant showcase of talent, unity, and diversity. Through collaborative efforts across cultural clubs, this groundbreaking event not only breaks barriers but also builds bridges of understanding and appreciation.
