Apollo and Tech High School Culture Shows
Apollo and Tech High School recently hosted Culture Shows in April. Tech celebrated “100 Years of Tech” while Apollo’s was named “True Colors.”
The shows are student directed and operated by the International Clubs at each school. Students perform songs, dances, read poetry and hold fashion shows of traditional clothing from their countries.
Ayan Omar, advisor to Tech’s International Club, says “This generation, they want to share who they are to anyone who will listen.”
“I volunteered to organize the event because it gives a different group of students a chance to be involved and get on stage,” adds Vanessa VanLaanen, Apollo International Club advisor. “Our performance acts as a mirror for those who attend, they get a chance to see students that look like them on stage representing their school. It also helps the community be aware of our changing demographic and manage intercultural tensions.”
A surprise visit from Apollo graduate and international model, Halima Aden, was the crowd-pleaser at the end of the Apollo show. Aden spoke on why she became a model--to represent a culture not seen in the fashion industry.
Many countries were represented in the shows: Sudan, Germany, Poland, Oromo, India, Somalia, Thailand, Kenya, American Indian, Korea, Japan and Mexico.
Local restaurants also helped contribute food to the event: Somali Café, Subway, Sawatdee, Panda and Star of India.
The Paramount is giving Apollo some stage time during the event “A Place at the Table” on May 9 from 4-8 p.m.
Any organization or business looking to be involved or donate to the show in the future, please contact vanessa.vanlaanen@isd742.org for Apollo or ayan.omar@isd742.org for Tech.