Families and students from Jefferson Middle School packed the main gym on April 10 for Multicultural Night, an evening of cultural celebration, community connection, and student engagement.
The event featured a variety of student-led exhibits and activities that highlighted the diverse cultures represented within the school community. Attendees explored cultural displays, sampled traditional foods, and participated in an engagement activity that entered them into a prize raffle.
Above all, the evening created a welcoming space for families to share and learn about the rich cultural backgrounds that contribute to the school’s identity.
Jefferson Principal Adam Bulfer said the turnout exceeded expectations.
“The participation outperformed what I initially thought it would be like for our first year,” Bulfer said. “The students’ projects are incredible, and the artifacts they brought in are so meaningful.”
Bulfer said he was especially moved by how confidently students shared their learning.
“My favorite question to ask them is who they interviewed and what they learned,” he said. “The connections they’re making with their relatives are deep and personal. It’s also great to see the students making eye contact, speaking confidently, and feeling comfortable at their tables.”
He emphasized that Jefferson’s diversity makes events like Multicultural Night especially significant.
“We have 40 different countries represented here tonight,” Bulfer said. “This ties in beautifully with our sixth-grade culture unit, where students explore their heritage. It’s a chance to celebrate who they are and to share that with friends and the broader Jefferson community.”
Bulfer also praised the strong staff turnout.
“The sixth-grade team did an amazing job organizing this on short notice,” he said. “I’m so thankful for their work and for the many staff members who volunteered their time. They’re here because they want to engage with our students, learn about their heritage, and enjoy some great food. It’s been a wonderful evening.”
Dayrani Quinonez, a seventh-grade student at Jefferson, was among the many students enjoying the event. She set up and hosted a table featuring culturally significant items from Mexico.
“There are so many things I love about my culture,” Quinonez said. “I love the way people cook — the food is amazing. I also really like the way people dress. And there are so many beautiful places in Mexico. It’s just a beautiful country.”