On Thursday March 31, Columbia High School held it's first Multicultural Fair. This was such a wonderful opportunity to celebrate and embrace the growing diversity of the entire learning community of East Greenbush. The event took place in the evening starting with student demonstrations and a World's Fair of presentations from students and staff alike. Mrs. McAlonie, the head of the Social Studies Department at CHS, and the entire Social Studies Department did a phenomenal job organizing our students and staff for this fabulous event.
The highlight of the evening was guest speaker, Kati Preston, author of Holocaust to Healing: Closing the Circle. As a daughter of a Jewish Father in Hungary, Kati was hidden by a family friend in a barn when she was four years old. In her book, Kati describes how all of the trauma and struggle that she experienced had not hardened her heart. Her speech touched on those same themes of perseverance against bullies and choosing to overcome the hatred in the world. She stressed the importance of being a leader among sheep and not following the herd.
The event was an outstanding success and I am so proud to be a Librarian working in a school that supports and encourages the acceptance of our unique differences. If you would like to read Kati Preston's autobiography, we have three copies available in the CHS library to borrow.
Thank you for visiting!
Miss Ingham