On April 16, Edison Township Public Schools celebrated its first ever Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Showcase, hosted at Edison High School. The collective effort was a coordinated portrayal of unity within Edison. Individuals from countless backgrounds and cultures took time out of their day to create representations of their culture. From art pieces to dances, every single student put in effort to make the day special.
The event began with a welcome speech in the auditorium by Hitisha Patel, the officer of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. The event then segwayed into three student performances. First was a traditional Irish step by first-grader Zoe Miller ‘35 from Benjamin Franklin Elementary School. Miller was the youngest performer of the day. Her efforts were rewarded with a large round of applause from the audience.
This was followed by Edison High’s “Fusion” dance in which students performed to various popular Bollywood songs.
“This was a super fun performance,” said Ambar Phatak ‘27. “The Fusion team enjoyed preparing and dancing. The enthusiasm from the audience was motivating.”
Last of the performances was a performance by the John Adams theater department, inspired by Native American culture and heritage.
Several groups of students from all across Edison appeared with their own take on diversity and inclusion. Following the performances, the audience was given the opportunity to explore presentations given by groups from each school. There were more than twenty equity-focused project booths present, ranging from crafts to an interactive activity circle.
The exhibits were split into three distinct sections. One section had a total of six presentations ranging from “Windows Into Our World” by Benjamin Franklin, which represented parts of elementary schoolers’ lives, to the “Challenger Advocate Committee Creations” from Woodrow Wilson Middle School, which brought attention to underrepresented groups within their school community.
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The EHS Fusion Dance Team performs during their Fusion Dance showcase, the second performance of the three. During their segment, they danced to numerous songs in various styles.
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Benjamin Franklin Elementary School student Zoey Miller step-dances during her traditional Irish dance showcase. Her performance was one of three presented from numerous schools across Edison.
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Officer of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Ms. Hitisha Patel speaks during the opening ceremony of the DEI Showcase on April 16th, 2024.
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During the self-guided tour of district-wide equity projects, Lincoln Elementary School would present their own wax museum exhibit, titled “Become Inspired! A Visit At the Wax Museum.” Students researched and portrayed such notable figures as Albert Einstein, Joe Biden, and Steve Jobs.
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Following the student performances, participants went on self-guided tours of district-wide equity projects. These works ranged grade level and featured numerous styles.
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The works displayed at district-wide equity projects amused many as they observed each person’s work presented. Each piece showed a different personality.
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The JAMS Theater Department performance “One Word One Edison” was a great closure to the three showcases, with audience members leaving with unity and togetherness.
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During the Fusion Dance segment, EHS’ Fusion Dance Team coordinated numerous dances that also involved pairs.
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The EHS Fusion Dance Team created many dynamic duos throughout their performance at the DEI showcase.
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The EHS Fusion Dance Team closed together as their performance came to an end. Their show mesmerized many and left audience members eager to see what was next.
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“I am very proud of the students of Woodrow for the effort they made to bring attention to different real life issues to groups that may not be recognized,” said Ms. Stacy Drobbin, Woodrow Wilson English teacher.
In addition, there was an art section with works from James Madison Primary Elementary School, Washington Elementary School, Lindeneau Elementary School, Lincoln Elementary School, James Madison Intermediate School, and John P. Stevens High School. Each piece of artwork shown was unique in its own way and described different aspects of a student’s life.
“It is a great honor and privilege to host an event like this,” said Edison Township Board of Education President Biral Patel. “The turnout is outstanding and really brings to light the commitment for cultural diversity. It really does portray our slogan, ‘We are one Edison.’”
