Student leaders gear up for WCHS Cultural Fair
M.K. French
Farmer Staff Writer
The Watford City High School (WCHS) Cultural Fair has become a place where every resident can feel seen, thanks to a student-led effort that turns the school hallways into a global experience. The steam from traditional plates and the display of global artifacts tell only half the story of the WCHS Cultural Fair. At its core, the event is a student-driven mission to turn a growing, diverse population into a more connected community.
Now entering its fifth year, the annual event has evolved from a small cafeteria gathering into a cornerstone of community inclusion, a success recently validated on a regional scale. On April 1, the Cultural Fair was honored in Williston with the Non-Profit Award from the Williston Community Builders Association, a recognition accepted by community leaders Maria Rios and Kalsey Kronberg on behalf of the student-led initiative.
While adults provide the framework and funding, thanks to the efforts of Amy Polivka, Jessie Veeder, and Vawnita Best, the fair is anchored by the vision of its student chairs: Amelia Wisness, Alexa Avila-Vazquez, and Nathalie Bustamante Ruiz.
For Amelia Wisness, a senior who balances her role as a committee chair with a Career Work Experience (CWE) position at the Long X Arts Foundation, the fair is about creating a sense of belonging. “The biggest benefit for the community is it creates a welcoming space where people can share traditions, food, music, clothing, and values, which helps build connections between community members,” Wisness said. Wisness, who prefers to “float” behind the scenes helping in the kitchen, noted that the event changes the very atmosphere of the school. “Participating in the Cultural Fair makes everyone aware of the diversity of our community...it is so cool to see something so beneficial to our community that comes from students and the work they put into the event.”
For the full story, visit www.watfordcitynd.com and subscribe to the McKenzie County Farmer today!