SES and RHS Celebrate Culture Night
ROSEMOUNT, Minn. – On Thursday, May 13, two District 196 high schools turned their communities into a global celebration. Both the School of Environmental Studies (SES) and Rosemount High School (RHS) hosted “Culture Night” events. Students at both schools shared their family traditions, delicious food, and beautiful clothing with the community.
At SES, hallways usually filled with talk of ecology and conservation transformed into a vibrant tapestry of global traditions. The school hosted its first student-led Culture Night in nearly a decade, celebrating the diverse backgrounds of its students and staff.
The event drew in a multi-generational crowd, from curious toddlers to beaming grandparents. Attendees moved from table to table, engaging with curated displays that showcased the heart of various heritages.
The scent of international spices and the sound of global rhythms filled the school. Each station offered a deep dive into a specific culture. Students served samples of popular dishes, candies, treats, and drinks, offering guests everything from savory street foods to intricate desserts.
They adorned their tables with traditional clothing, artifacts, and photographs to tell their families’ stories. Students also went beyond visual displays by offering hands-on lessons, teaching guests how to play unique traditional instruments and the history behind their craftsmanship.
Students also walked the runway, showcasing their traditional attire – ranging from intricately embroidered silks to vibrant, hand-woven textiles – and explained the significance of each garment’s colors and patterns. An interactive dance performance punctuated the fashion show, filling the school with joyous sounds and movement.
The students themselves provided the night’s true driving force. They envisioned, planned, and executed the events from start to finish.
“I am incredibly proud of the initiative our students showed,” said Principal Lauren Haisting. “They didn’t just ask for an event, they brought it to life from the ground up. Seeing them take such pride in their roots while fostering an environment of curiosity and respect is exactly what our SES community is about.”
Students, families, and community members bonded over shared recipes and asked questions about the new traditions they learned about. For SES students, Culture Night served as a powerful reminder: while they may study the environment of the planet, the most important environment they build is one where everyone feels they belong.
At RHS, the excitement started early. Students lined up at the doors, eager to get inside. Once the doors opened, the school buzzed with energy.
Participants were served delicious Somali and Pakistani food from local restaurants. Students showcased many countries, including Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somalia, Mexico, Pakistan, Lebanon, China, and more.
Girls wore stunning, colorful dresses, and boys showed off traditional outfits for their respective cultures. Later, students performed traditional dances in the auditorium for a cheering crowd.
“This is more than just a celebration with beautiful clothes and delicious food,” said Assistant Principal of Fine Arts Calvin Keasling. “ This is a time when students, parents, and staff come together from different backgrounds to recognize the amazing diversity at RHS and find common ground and community together.”
The night helped students discover what different cultures have in common while learning about the things that make each other unique.
In District 196, our vision is to develop the whole child and honor diverse cultures. These student-led activities foster a community of inclusivity while empowering students' confidence, engagement, and belonging.