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MVLA celebrates cultures with food and music at Caribbean Heritage Parade

Students holding up flag.
MVLA celebrates cultures with food and music at Caribbean Heritage Parade

Students, staff and parents at Mount Vernon Leadership Academy got out in the sun to celebrate their cultural heritage last Friday during the annual Caribbean Heritage Parade. The sounds of music and the smells of Caribbean delicacies filled the air as the entire school community joined the celebration.

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2 students smiling together.

“I think it’s awesome,” said Keturah Simpson, mother of fifth grader Kaylen Martinez. “She’s actually performing today in the parade. It’s a good day for the entire school to be able to gather and celebrate Caribbean heritage. I love that they picked up this initiative.”

Students wore their countries’ flags, with some wearing traditional attire from their cultures. As they marched in the parade, students also held up hand-made signs celebrating their heritage.

“I’m Jamaican, so it feels good," said Kaiden Stepney, a fifth grade student at MVLA, about the celebration. “I’m excited for the food.”

Students danced and gave musical performances, as the blacktop outside MVLA was transformed into a full-scale Caribbean celebration – with enough food for everyone. 

Students holding up flags.

“Every year, we represent Caribbean Day. We get everyone from different ethnicities and islands, and we just represent,” said Assistant Principal Matthew Wilbekin. “We have all the kids recognize their heritage, bring their flag, share food, and share good times. Some of our parents are even here. Since this is our last year, we just want to do it up the best way that we know how to do it.”

With MVLA closing at the end of the school year, staff at the school wanted to make the Caribbean Heritage Parade a special celebration to connect the whole school community.

“As MVLA’s grand finale, the hope is to connect all of the cultures that represent the student body to go out in love, celebration and fellowship,” said Principal Colleen Seivright-Crawford. 

Click here to view the full photo gallery!

Students holding up flag.
Students standing together in Caribbean colors
Students marching in parade dressed in Caribbean colors.
Students waving flags.
Performer on float

 

 

 

 

 

 

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