HOHENFELS, Germany -- The U.S. Military has long championed the cause of diversity in its ranks, recognizing that differences can and should be used to improve mission effectiveness.
At U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria and the Joint Multinational Training Center, this principle is exemplified by the side-by-side training between U.S. and partner nation forces in Europe, Africa and beyond.
This philosophy of inclusion is also well represented at Hohenfels Middle/High School, as demonstrated by their Multicultural Winter Festival performed for the community, recently.
Students, parents, even Principal Cristina Echevarria, performed songs, skits and dances from 18 different countries including France, Ukraine, and Argentina.
As part of her normal curriculum, National Honor Society and Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica advisor, Lydia E. De Jesus introduces students to cultures and customs from various countries.
"It's important to study other cultures to understand and respect each other," she said. "If I know who you are, I can better understand how you feel."
But reading and lectures can only do so much. De Jesus wanted her students to experience other cultures. Partnering with National Art Honor Society advisor, Michele Mihanovich-Franz, they created the Multicultural Winter Festival.
With the stage open to virtually all comers, participants pitched their own ideas and practiced on their own. Performances ranged from instrumentals, song and dance, and even poetry recital.
"Everyone was so excited," said De Jesus. "One parent went to Brazil and came back with the music and she was so into it. One student wanted to represent Mexico, and she didn't know Spanish at all, but she learned a song and sang it in Spanish."
"Art is the international language and it truly can bring people together in a visual manner even if you don't speak the same language," said Mihanovich-Franz. "You did not have to speak Spanish to understand the beauty of that song; you did not have to speak Croatian to get the feel of the accordion with that mother and son duet. I feel that this festival really celebrates the beauty of who we really are individually, while coming together for a night of great fun."
The production varied with both choir and solo singers, couples dancing, and even entire classes performing together. The German class presented fun facts and stories about life in Germany, the HMHS cheerleaders executed a high-energy routine, and the Drama class performed a Renaissance era line dance.
With most students involved in after school sports and other activities, the cast managed only one group rehearsal, but all that individual practicing paid off.
"I thought it was going to be really hectic, and I thought nothing would be like the way we wanted it, but it came out great, and everyone really had fun," said participant Michelle Wall, who appeared in multiple performances with at least four costume changes.
The evening also included a dinner with a multinational menu of Italian, Mexican and Puerto Rican choices. There was even an art show with works celebrating Christmas around the world.
De Jesus said the performers, backstage managers and support staff all gave 100 percent, and their efforts were rewarded by the cheers and applause of the packed audience.
Clyde Hadrava, HMHS assistant principal, pointed out that the show and its variety of cultures represented a reflection of the diversity within Hohenfels.
"Thank you all for being unique and different," he said at his closing remarks. "I want to thank our community of Hohenfels where each of us feels safe and proud to share and display our culture."
"Our world would be a very boring place if we were all the same," he added. "Always be proud of who and what you are."
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