On Friday, February 13, the Roncalli High School community came together to celebrate R Family Night. Hosted and planned by the R Family Club, the goal of the event was to broaden the community’s understanding of our students’ customs and traditions and to deepen social awareness by celebrating the
cultural richness of our community.
This year, the evening featured a cultural fair with student presentations from 10 countries represented in the student body. Attendees were encouraged to visit each booth with their “passport.” They received flag stickers from each country after hearing the student’s presentation.
More than 250 audience members then enjoyed a program featuring talented dancers and singers from Roncalli as well as students from Central Catholic and St. Mark Catholic Schools. The program concluded with a fashion show, featuring traditional dress from several countries.
“We were thrilled with the response to this year’s event,” said Julie Albertson, journalism teacher and R Family Club coordinator. “The most rewarding thing for me was seeing how much pride our students have in their cultural traditions and how much they enjoyed sharing their gifts with our community.”
Senior Jessica Sui was a group leader for the dance performance and served as social media manager for the event. Jessica shared, “I recruited students from Roncalli and different schools who were willing to participate in the event. I managed the choreography with the guidance of my dance members. The bond of our group strengthened with each practice after school. I also manage the R Family social media accounts with senior Olivia Bodrick to promote the program and bring awareness to other students who may be interested.”
Jessica was thrilled about this year’s event. “The dances, poster boards and fashion show captured a glimpse of each individual’s stories. R Family Night is the only night of the year to advocate cultural pride, confidence and differences. Those differences lead us to share, appreciate and reunite as a family under God. On this special occasion, we are reminded that diversity’s purpose is to grow within the Roncalli community to become as one,” she said.
R Family Day began in 2020 when students expressed a desire to celebrate their cultural identities and share their traditions with the broader school community. Since then, it has grown into a dynamic event featuring student presentations, cultural exhibits and performances.
Principal Kevin Banich (Roncalli Class of 2009) reflected on the event, “It was a beautiful evening celebrating the many cultures that make up our student body and community. We are truly blessed to be part of a school that celebrates and respects the dignity of every person.”