Island Pacific Academy’s inaugural World Languages Festival on April 6, 2024 was a vibrant celebration of cultural diversity and language exploration, highlighting the unique traditions of Japanese, Spanish, and Hawaiian cultures. The event was organized by Secondary world language teachers, Laura Guzman, Mina Law, Yoshiko Tokuda, Aiddy Weisbecker, and Bobo Miles. IPA students and their families gathered on campus to participate in various cultural activities led by our Secondary language students, including traditional Hawaiian games, Mexican flower making, and origami.
The festival’s student project gallery showcased the depth of understanding and creativity cultivated in the school’s language programs. Student work from Japanese, Spanish, and ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi classes were displayed throughout the Watumull Room, and included stunning calligraphy, artwork, and class projects. Each exhibit offered a glimpse into the multifaceted nature of language and culture, and the level of mastery by the language students.
Throughout the World Languages Festival, student performances took center stage with a traditional bon dance, hula, puppet shows, and a Spanish poetry recitation. Food trucks offered a variety of international cuisines, adding to the cultural experience, while a colorful piñata provided fun entertainment for the youngest guests to close out the event.
A special moment came with our exchange students from Instituto Thomas Jefferson (ITJ), Campus Querétaro, IPA’s sister school in Mexico. Through a traditional folk dance performance and an illuminating slideshow, the exchange students shared insights into their school and culture, fostering cross-cultural understanding and friendship. Their participation marked the culmination of a transformative two-week exchange visit, during which they formed lasting connections with our Navigators and host families and gained invaluable insights into life in a different country.
Throughout the event, attendees experienced the tangible outcomes of IPA’s growing International Studies Program, which includes not only the IPA-ITJ exchange program but also the Model United Nations Club and language honor societies. As the festival ended, there was a sense of unity and appreciation for the diverse languages and cultures represented, highlighting the importance of embracing diversity within our school community.
