Japanese school joins MHS for its annual Cultural Day festivities
Marianas High School held its 55th annual Cultural Day last Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024, in a celebration that was also attended by 150 visiting students from the Seisa Gakuan School in Japan.
The event, which saw a variety of booths and performances that depicted numerous cultures from around the world, showcased performances on the cultures of Chuuk, Tahiti, the Philippines, Palau, Korea, Chamorro, and Carolinian. The Seisa Gakuen exchange students also displayed their talents, with martial arts performances that showcased both karate and kendo.
MHS vice principal Romolo Orsini said they are ecstatic about the event. “Cultural Day for Marianas High School is our staple event. We’re the largest school in the CNMI and we want to highlight our indigenous cultures and other cultures that make up life here in the Marianas,” he said.
One MHS student, Fioana Bayot, said the occasion is not just about showcasing the CNMI’s culture. “It’s also about us making connections with other cultures,” she said.
Most booths were decorated around the theme of different cultures and sold traditional food items. Other booths fundraised through activities such as a dunk tank, bouncy house, and jail.
The Seisa Gakuan School joined in the fundraising event by selling secondhand items such as clothing, houseware, and other miscellaneous items.
Orsini said all profits made from the event will go toward supporting student programs.
Many of the school’s clubs participated in the event to raise funds for their respective events.
Jane Mozunder, who is the secretary of the school’s Mock Trial Club, said this event will help their club for a planned trip. “We are here to raise money for our club’s upcoming trip to compete nationally. We would like to showcase that the CNMI can do law too,” she said.
Seisa Japanese exchange students take the spotlight and perform kendo, a form of martial arts, during Marianas High School’s Cultural Day last Saturday.
-DAPHNE CRUZAT
Marianas High School student Fiona Bayot poses at the Senior Class Spanish-themed booth.
-DAPHNE CRUZAT
Mock Trial Club members pose at their game booth.
-DAPHNE CRUZAT
Prom Committee members pose at their Hawaiian-themed booth.
-DAPHNE CRUZAT
The Parent Teacher Association was in charge of the token booth.
-DAPHNE CRUZAT
The Local Girls Lemonda Stand, an outside vendor, with their refreshing lemonade drinks.
-DAPHNE CRUZAT
One Day at a Time Club members pose at their Mexican-themed booth.
-DAPHNE CRUZAT
Seisa Japanese teachers and students at their booth selling second-hand items.
-DAPHNE CRUZAT
Polksai Chamorro Club performs a traditional piece to showcase the indigenous Chamorro culture.
-DAPHNE CRUZAT
