MONTICELLO, NY — Kenneth L. Rutherford Elementary School (KLR) students packed the school’s hallways and classrooms on Wednesday, February 26 for Multi-Cultural Night. 

Spearheaded by KLR teacher Tianny Almanzar and district translator Marta Mangual, and organized in conjunction with the school’s Parent Engagement Committee and the Every Person Influences Children program (EPIC), the event celebrated the many cultures that comprise the school community.

Students were invited to create a poster project showcasing their cultures, and the evening started off with families mingling among the bright displays. Attendees then moved on to the cafeteria, where they enjoyed a dinner of chicken and rice prepared by none other than Principal Veronica Serrano, along with the food services staff. 

After the meal, families chose from activities such as read-alouds, crafts and postcard writing.

The evening ended with a festive performance from a group of student dancers, set to “Columbia, Mi Encanto” from the movie “Bruno,” and a traditional Mexican dance from the dance group Colores de mi Tierra.

At the close of the evening, Serrano announced the winners of the poster contest.

Congratulations to first-place winners Luna Salzman, Shea Vander Meuten, Salome Lopez Galvez and Persephanie Vargas. 

Second-place winners were Isabelle Flores, Caiden Brasington, Shifaa Metawee, Delian Navarro and Antonella Caroca Barahona.

Placing third were Javeah Reynolds, Chase Williams, Grayson Waterton and Evelyn Molina. 

Contributed by the Monticello Central School District.