Collaboration and Culture: A Look at Chester Academy’s Multicultural Showcase

Chester Academy’s auditorium recently hosted the Black History Month Showcase, a vibrant event highlighting the diverse backgrounds and talents of the student body. Originally established by Dayanara Garcia, the district’s Director of Curriculum, Instruction & Communication, the Multicultural Club and the assembly were founded to amplify student voices and build a sense of belonging.

"Even before I joined, there was such a legacy of inclusion and celebration here."

Led by President Jonalema Blessing Williams and club officers, the event embodied the club’s mission to promote awareness and diversity.

Advisor, Chester Academy ENL teacher Charlotte Pietropaolo, guided the showcase to highlight how science, history, art, and music intersect with culture, rather than simply presenting a talent show.

^{Check out two galleries of images and videos from the event below this story!}

"I started teaching at Chester Academy in January of 2025, just before last year’s assembly. I was amazed to see the students come together and showcase their talents, all while celebrating Black History Month. I knew then that I wanted to be a part of it."

Ms. Pietropaolo reflected, “I’ve never seen a school so committed to meaningful community events for its students and staff as Chester Academy. When Multicultural Club isn’t planning events, we’re in my classroom eating snacks, listening to music, and discussing topics important to students."

Ms. Pietropaolo emphasized that the assembly is only possible because of the support and participation of Chester Academy’s teachers.

"They carve out time to honor Black History Month in their classes, letting our students shine on stage."

Academic displays lined the auditorium, with science and history classes contributing work on influential figures—showing that cultural history is part of the curriculum at Chester Academy.

The visual arts segment, "ArtSprout," focused on Basquiat. Students applied their new knowledge of Basquiat’s life and his place in art history, as well as his creative techniques and signature elements, to create their own pieces exploring cultural identity through contemporary art. This reinforces the district’s goal of a well-rounded education and creative thinking.

The musical portion included a Beyoncé tribute and a segment on Afro-Latino heritage, with students presenting on African influences in Caribbean music. These performances connected history, culture, and the music students enjoy today.

A segment called "The Legacy of #42" connected the achievements of Jackie Robinson and Mariano Rivera, illustrating shared legacies across cultures in Major League Baseball.

The Anime Club’s insights into Japanese art and culture underscored the event’s commitment to representing all student interests.

The Drumline performed with traditional African and Afro-Cuban instruments, and a Stevie Wonder tribute included "Superstition" and highlighted his advocacy for the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.

The "Still I Rise" Poetry Slam featured student recitations of classics and original works, providing a platform for self-expression and advancing the district’s focus on social-emotional wellness and leadership.

The program approached its conclusion on a high note with a performance from "The Movement/El Movimiento," the dance class led by Ms. Garcia and Ms. Daly. Afterwards, Jade and Ariel performed a Bachata and Merengue mix, bringing the cultural celebration to life through dance and providing an energetic finale to the formal program.

To close out the afternoon, the club hosted an interactive "Finish the Lyric" game. This final activity invited audience participation, transforming the assembly from a passive presentation to an engaging shared experience and perfectly reflecting the event’s theme of community.

The Multicultural Club is open to all students, with digital memberships through Google Classroom to ensure equity and access for everyone.

This showcase highlighted the power of student leadership and collaboration. By blending history, art, music, and dance, Chester Academy celebrated its many cultures and reflected the district’s goals of achievement, wellness, inclusion, and community. Events like this reinforce Chester Academy’s role as a model of the district’s vision in action.

GALLERY OF EVENT PHOTOS

GALLERY OF EVENT PERFORMANCES