On April 19 Norwich Free Academy hosted an event celebrated throughout campus with students and faculty called NFA Around the Globe. NFA Around the Globe focused on celebrating diversity and the many cultures of the student body.
“…and they (students) thought, perhaps we could have focused on diversity as a way to celebrate the wonderful student body that we have here at NFA,” explained Lorraine Dooley, NFA History Teacher and Student Advisory Board Advisor.
In the past, NFA did not have any theme involved when celebrating. This year would be a change. For the first time, the celebration revolved around celebrating diversity all over campus. The student body consists of approximately 30 cultures.
“I think the best part was just seeing everybody come together and our community is so diverse, just being able to see our diversity on campus,” said Cathleen Mai, NFA Student Leader of NFA Around the Globe.
Approximately 2000 students participated in activities, such as volleyball, a flag parade, face painting, cultural dancing, and henna tattoos. The event took place during G channel for about an hour.
“I thought it was cool because it showed the level of (inclusivity) and culture of the school,” said Gerry Moreno, NFA Freshmen.
“It was fun and educational,” said Avery Justice, NFA Freshman.
Though everybody had a great time, students had ideas they wanted to suggest for the next Celebrate NFA event.
“I really do hope this event is longer (in the future) than it was this year,” said Mai.
“Move the henna station outside,” said Jada Harris, NFA Freshman.
As Celebrate NFA wrapped up, many students felt more connected to each other and the cultures they learned about.
“I felt amazing, like, just seeing my idea and (my) peers work so hard on this project. It was just amazing seeing everybody come together, and I mean, I went home sleeping extra good because the stress was over after that,” said Mai.