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On Saturday, April 5, the Roncalli High School community came together in the Roncalli
auditorium to celebrate R Family Day—an annual event that showcases and honors the rich
cultural traditions and heritage of Roncalli students and their families.
“There is beauty in diversity. at fact was on full display Saturday as students shared the rich
cultural traditions of their familial heritage,” said R Family Day Coordinator Julie Albertson. “One important goal of this year’s R Family Day was for it to be a student-run and student-driven program. We believe that goal was achieved, and as a result, those in attendance enjoyed the leadership and talents of many Roncalli students.”
One of those students, junior Ariana Corona, created a display board about the state of Jalisco, Mexico, where her mother was born. She also participated in the cultural fashion show wearing traditional clothing from the region.
“This was my first year participating in the event, and I’m so glad I did!” Corona said. “Roncalli offering this club is truly a great privilege. Watching my brother support his Burmese friends last year made me realize how meaningful it is to share my family’s culture, especially with the Roncalli family.”
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. is year’s program included a cultural fair with student-led displays, as well as presentations from community organizations such as Catholic Charities Refugee Resettlement Program, Hope for Tomorrow and St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.
“At Roncalli, we are blessed to educate approximately 1,100 students each year,” said Principal Kevin Banich (Roncalli Class of 2009). “Every individual who walks through our doors has a unique and special story to share with our community. This day offers an opportunity to highlight the specific story of each family and the traditions that accompany it. Recognizing that every person is a child of God, made in His image, is a foundational aspect of our Catholic faith. Through R Family Day, we not only acknowledge this truth, but we also celebrate and honor it.”
