Valencia High School hosted the second annual Culture Fest on September 17, 2025, showcasing the vibrant diversity of the William S. Hart Union High School District. The event transformed the school’s quad into a lively celebration, with cultural clubs setting up tables that offered attendees a direct experience of various traditions and customs. Written greetings in multiple languages adorned the entrance, while flags representing different nations added to the festive atmosphere.
Performances from local groups, including the Golden Valley Folklorico and the Armenian Dance Group, captivated the audience with traditional attire and choreography. The SCV Chinese Dance Group and the CalArts Student African Ensemble also contributed to the rich tapestry of cultural expressions.
Josh Benham, a math teacher at Valencia and Associated Student Body (ASB) coordinator, highlighted the collaborative efforts required to make the event a success. “This started as a passion project for one of my now-graduated students, Maya Yiadom. It actually happened a couple of years ago, but Maya took it over last year and made it district-wide,” he explained. “Valencia students run all of the planning, but we’re super excited that we have every single high school represented here today.”
Planning for the Culture Fest began well in advance, starting from late winter to early spring. According to Benham, student leaders reached out to various cultural and performing groups across the district to ensure broad participation. “Getting every high school to buy in and be a part of it shows immense growth,” he added.
Students Drive the Culture Fest Initiative
Avery Park, the Senior Class President at Valencia, took a leading role in organizing the event. Park, who founded her school’s Korean Culture Club, expressed her desire to make Culture Fest a lasting tradition. “When it happened last year, it was amazing and brought together a community,” she remarked. “I just knew I wanted to make it a tradition.”
The organizing committee, which included fellow students Katie Song, Annika Puno, and McKenzie Medland, faced challenges but found the experience rewarding. Park noted, “Everyone in the committee is a part of a cultural club, so it’s simple because everyone wants to be involved. Even though the planning process was stressful, it definitely pays off in the end.”
Meri Chilingaryan, president of the Armenian Culture Club, emphasized the importance of the event in fostering connections. “Our club is made for Armenian people to come together and immerse themselves in our culture,” she said. “We’re excited to meet families here and share our dance culture.”
The event not only celebrated cultural diversity but also encouraged community involvement. Students from throughout the district attended, reinforcing the idea that Culture Fest is more than just a school event; it is a gathering of families and friends united by a shared appreciation for diversity.
As the second annual Culture Fest concluded, organizers and participants alike expressed hope for its future. The event has not only enriched the Valencia High School community but has also set a precedent for similar celebrations district-wide, emphasizing the importance of understanding and respecting different cultures. The enthusiasm and commitment demonstrated by students and faculty alike indicate that Culture Fest is poised to become a cherished annual tradition.
