March 20, 2004 — Students at St. Croix Central High School celebrated the diversity of their institution with a cultural fair on Friday. Sponsored by the Social Studies Department, the annual event highlighted the myriad cultures, backgrounds and languages found at the high school.
Miss St. Croix Central High School Karima Chinnery served as the mistress of ceremonies. She described the event as a way to bring commonality to the school's diverse student population.
"This activity enlightens the students to the culture of others. It shows the public that the good can outshine the bad," Chinnery said.
The public was invited to the event, which was held on the school's campus at Kingshill, and several parents were on hand to enjoy the festivities. Other schools were also invited to participate. All totaled, about 400 students filled the area around the outdoor stage, while vendors sold native food and drinks.
The Jr. ROTC Color Guard opened the program, followed by performances by the CHS Gospel Choir. Later, students performed the traditional maypole dance, acted out skits and pantomime, read poetry, danced, modeled and sang.
Also featured were masqueraders, moko jumbies, the CHS Pantastics Steel Orchestra, CHS Bilingual Dancers, the St. Croix Majorettes, the Juanita Gardine Quadrille Dancers, Stanley and the 10 Sleepless Nights, and St. Croix road march winners, Xtaushun Band.
Also, Sen. Luther Renee 's St. Lucia Creole Dancers and Sen. Ronald Russell's band, Caribbean Jazz, performed for the delight of the students.
"This is the fifth year CHS has hosted the cultural fair," remarked Chinnery. She said the event is "designed to bring the students together."
"The students learn about other peoples' culture," Chinnery said. "They learn that just because something is different, doesn't mean it's wrong."
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