On March 24, Rutland’s Glenwood Elementary School will host its first-ever Cultural Night. Joining the Glenwood community will be students and staff from Naquag Elementary School and Central Tree Middle School. The open-house event will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in Glenwood’s gymnasium and library. The public is invited to attend; admission is free.

Glenwood Principal Andy Hall introduced the idea for an evening that celebrates the school children of Rutland and their diverse backgrounds to his staff several months ago, and from there the proposal took wings. 

When asked about his vision for Cultural Night, Hall stated, “Rutland has such a rich history, and our community is a tapestry of the cultures that came before us and the families who are moving into our town. Cultural Night is an opportunity to celebrate and learn about who we are.”

As visitors arrive at the “airport,” they will receive a passport that will be stamped as they travel to the different nations represented: Egypt, England, the Netherlands, Mexico, Greece, Ghana, Peru, Argentina, and Poland.

No less than 17 families from the three schools will represent their country of origin. Each family will wear clothing from their native country, display information about that country, and provide samples of food. Students are excited to be the “teachers” for the evening.

When asked about the importance of the event, Glenwood parent and staff member, Niki Yiantsidis shared, “Cultural Night is important to me because it’s a celebration of identity, heritage, and the stories that shape us…Sharing [my Greek] heritage is my way of honoring where I come from and helping others appreciate the beauty of their own roots.”

The event will feature a variety of special guests. The local indigenous Nipmuc tribe will offer an educational display of native clothing and ceremonial costumes. The Imperial Lion Dance Team will perform the traditional Chinese dance in which performers, dressed in a colorful lion costume, mimic the animal’s movements to bring good luck and fortune. 

Dr. Carlos Odria, associate professor of ethnomusicology at Worcester State University and an accomplished musician, will perform songs from his native Peru as well as an exciting blend of music such as bossa nova, Afro-Caribbean vibes, rumba, and Afro-Peruvian festejo.

The focus of the evening is, of course, the children. It is an opportunity for them to share who they are and a way to instill in them a sense of pride about where they come from. “I get excited when families have the space to share their stories, their music, dress and of course, my favorite - their food,” said Hall.

Educator Sara Root-Simone, who works at Naquag and Glenwood, has been an integral part of planning Cultural Night. “Personally, it has been rewarding to help bring together our three schools to celebrate the rich cultures - past and present - that make up the Rutland community,” said Root-Simone. “It has been reaffirming that so many individuals are willing to help plan and step up to help with what is sure to be an exciting and meaningful evening of learning and celebration.” W