Delighting In Diversity

Alecia Foster

Colorful costumes and traditional songs were all a part of John Muir

Elementary School's Multicultural Celebration Tuesday evening. The event,

which drew hundreds of parents, highlighted the varied cultures of the

school's students. The celebration began last year as a way to encourage

students to learn about and respect different cultures, said Vartkes

Ghazarian, a sixth-grade teacher at the school. Tuesday's celebration

showcased the American, Armenian, Filipino and Latino cultures. It was

such a success during the first year, said Principal Amaly Avakian, that

the performance this year had to be moved to the Roosevelt Middle School

auditorium to accommodate everyone expecting to attend the event.