Skyline High school is one of the most diverse High Schools in the state of Washington with 59% minority enrollment. With the wide variety of cultures here at Skyline, comes many different holidays and traditions to learn about and celebrate. Skyline’s community takes pride in the role of inclusivity and diversity at our school, which can be seen especially during the holiday season.
The majority of students at Skyline celebrate Christmas, but even within that group, there are so many ways that our students celebrate. Lauren Stephens for example has a special tradition that helps her to share her love and appreciation with her family.
“Something that is very special to my family is like making sure that we.. share how grateful we are for each other and how important the holiday season is” Lauren said.
For one student, Sophie Wiersum, her holidays are celebrated a little less traditionally, she spends Christmas day skiing because that’s how her family connects even though they celebrate a mix of holidays throughout the season.
“It’s one common ground that we all get to do,” Sophie said.
Sophie Wiersum also celebrates Hanukkah with her close family through food and connection.
“My favorite tradition is probably the Challah bread making just because it’s a time where my family can get together after not seeing each other for a long time,” Sophie said.
Sharvi Gautam along with some other students at the school celebrate Dashain, a Nepali Holiday that marks the beginning of a long holiday streak in Nepal. Her family connects through prayer and offerings, this time not only allows her family to connect with their Nepali roots, but also connect with each other.
Many of the students at skyline celebrate Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights. Skyline’s “Indian club” devotes a meeting to this holiday each year where the members of the club can share food, company, and discuss and learn about the meaning of Diwali.
Our school does a great job of making students and families feel included no matter what holidays they celebrate. The school sanctioned events aren’t holiday specific in an effort to leave no student feeling excluded. However, there are many groups and clubs that practice here at Skyline that host specific holiday activities.
Skyline choir puts on the winter concert each year. Along with Skyline’s theater puts on an annual winter play, this year’s play is called “You Can’t Take It With You,” and it is not specific for any holiday in particular. Another example of a winter activity is the Holiday Bazaar, which is put on by Skyline parents and volunteers each year as a way to fundraise for school activities, and bring attention to small businesses in our community.
Skyline volunteers, along with the Fighting Hunger Club collect food and other items for the Issaquah Food Drive, which provides help and supplies for families in our community but who may not go to our school.
ASB hosts a senior friendsgiving each year which is a perfect time for senior students to connect, hangout with friends, and eat good food.
Not only can these events and traditions better the school and friendships, but they can better our community and families as well.
The holidays that Skyline students celebrate help to create a closeness with their own families and within the school community. The ways that diversity is discussed and celebrated at Skyline creates a safe learning space and a way for students to feel included, connect with their own culture, or learn about other cultures.
