Highland Park ISD and Park Cities International Friends (PCIF) hosted the first annual HP CultureFest Nov. 5 in the Highland Park High School cafeteria. HPISD Superintendent Dr. Tom Trigg and HPISD Trustee Stacy Kelly welcomed the crowd and praised the festival as an opportunity for celebrating and learning about the diverse cultures represented in the district. More than 500 attendees enjoyed 30 visual displays showcasing countries and cultures from six continents. More than 100 high school students and HPISD family members volunteered or hosted events and country tables. Booths from representative countries offered samples of everything from crepes to baklava, and crafts like Chinese calligraphy, origami, and Mexican “papel picado” games including loteria and piñata. Attendees also enjoyed music and dance performances.
The afternoon was packed with memorable moments as elementary students performed a Bollywood dance number, HPHS students contributed a Laotian dance, songs in Chinese and Japanese, and Park Version performed. Professional performers included Rising Phoenix Lion Dance, Javier Aguilar’s Pura Sangre Mariachi, and Bandan Koro African Drum and Dance ensemble. PCIF wishes to thank HPISD Director of Accountability and Assessment Jaime Callahan for her support of this event, members of the Board of Trustees who attended, and the HPISD Facility Services staff for going above and beyond to help with set-up and clean-up. PCIF also thanks the table hosts, volunteers and performers for all of their efforts in making the inaugural event a success. For more information or to get involved, please visit www.pcifhp.org.