The Heritage Fashion Show is more than a performance, it is a celebration of identity, culture and pride. The Heritage Fashion Show is a tradition in the school community that takes place during B.L.A.S.T week on Feb. 12 during second and third hour with a bonus show after school. The school auditorium becomes a runaway filled with diversity, empowerment and authenticity giving students an opportunity to show their pride.

The fashion show is an activity where students wear outfits that reflect their cultural background by using textures, patterns, colors and traditional fabrics. Even accessories have symbolic meaning. Students who are part of the fashion show are able to connect with other students, strengthening connections with more members of the community providing them with more confidence to spread knowledge about their culture.

“I remember freshman year, I didn’t know anybody, but then I participated, and I made like so many new friends,” participant junior Bailey Okoroji said.

The show not only serves as a fun space for students, but also as a learning environment were the students get a chance to spread more knowledge and spark curiosity in the school community, encouraging people to learn more about other members of their surroundings.

Junior Janelle Bustos said it is a “popular event in the school community.” It is one that not only introduces us to new cultures, but also sparks a real curiosity and deeper understanding of other students. Even after the event, popularity and impact continue to expand leading to students connections growing bigger and stronger and ensuring cultural awareness spreads further and deeper.

For many students, this event goes beyond entertainment, and it becomes a safe place where they fully express themselves and share who they really are, building confidence and a deeper sense of identity. This is especially during difficult times were the school is the only safe space for some students.

“It has helped me feel more confident about who I am you know? Since it’s a place were I can show the real me,” participant junior Iqra Jire said.

In this environment, students feel free to demonstrate their identities without judgement or shame, which helps the community grow. Students feel free to explore their identities with out any fear, and community members are able to learn more about students and notice all the diversity.

Participants stepped outside their comfort zone by walking the run away, representing who they are in front of a large audience. According to Okoroji, she’s been in the show for about three years. She described her first show as a nerve-wracking experience, and how walking on a stage with hundreds of students and community members watching her helped and taught her to be more confident.

For many students, participating in the fashion show became an experience to develop more confidence and share their cultural heritage to the community. This space has brought so many opportunities, to either share their identity and traditions or just to enjoy learning more about the people that we interact with everyday.