Students come together to share culture

East Newton High School students and teachers recently got to explore different cultures.

In observance of National Foreign Languages week, displays set up in the school's gym were used to explain the different cultures represented.

"We put a plea out for students and teachers to bring us things from countries they visited or lived in," East Newton High School Spanish teacher Donna Guthrie said. "We received things from about 18 different countries."

The countries represented included those located in the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, Africa, South America, Central America and North America.

"The objective is to try to spark an interest in the kids to see the cultures from around the world," said Guthrie. "We want the kids to be interested in other cultures and appreciate them."

The event was held Wednesday and Thursday.

Bee Yang, a Hmong who has lived in Southwest Missouri for the past three years, displayed items from his culture, including a musical instrument.

"This instrument we play for weddings, entertainment and funerals," Yang said. "It symbolizes a lot of things. Back in the old days, if you were to own this, you would be pretty popular. I can play it a little bit. I have played for the 2006 and 2007 Hmong New Year and have played for the funeral homes a couple of times. I started when I was in second grade. It is hard to learn, there is a lot to learn. My dad plays it."

Yang said that the Hmong were originally from China. Then after the Vietnam War, they moved to Laos.

"Hmongs lived in Laos for quite a long time," Yang said.

His family then moved from Laos to the United States, first in California, then to Minnesota and then here.

Another item at Yang's table was what he wore, a colorful "vest" with coins on it.

"I have a white shirt on, that symbolizes that I am a white Hmong. There are five kinds of Hmongs," said Yang. "Back in the old days, the coins symbolized how rich you are."

Nathalia Graca, of Brazil, is a foreign exchange student.

"I came to the United States to learn English," commented Graca. "In Brazil, my favorite food is rice. Here I like fast food, like McDonald's, and I like the people here."

Among the items she displayed was a decorated glass. She also had important information about her home country.

"I will be going back to Brazil after I graduate from high school," said Graca, who is a senior. "I plan on going to college in Brazil."

The 18 stations and activities inside the gym sparked the interest of Pharryn Dillard, sophomore.

"I learned about the different cultures that we have here in America," said Dillard. "I was never aware of that. I appreciate everyone's background."

Being the first year for the event, Dillard is hoping to see it again next year.

"I would like to see a booth about India," Dillard said. "I like the different materials, and the food."

Neosho Daily News