Parade of Nations held in Lake Ridge

To celebrate the unique and diverse cultures represented at the school, Rockledge Elementary School in Lake Ridge held its first Parade of Nations last month.  The parade featured staff, students and parents dressed in festive clothing, representing their native countries
The event was organized by Luz Rossi, ESOL teacher, with the help of volunteers of the multicultural committee.
At the committee’s request, parents provided music, clothing, flags, and a variety of authentic embellishments from their native lands. Included were detailed descriptions on where and when the clothing or articles would be worn in their native countries.
Rossi reported that the parade was a huge success, and 27 countries from around the world were showcased.  The sea of participants wearing traditional clothing included 80 students, 25 parents and five teachers. Some of the countries with the most participants were Pakistan, Colombia, Mexico, El Salvador and the United States.
Rossi noted that Amy Schott, principal, also took part in the event, representing Norway.
The parade began as students, parents and teachers dressed in traditional costumes from around the world walked and danced to music from their home countries. As each group walked in, a narrator described interesting cultural highlights and the clothing that each group was wearing.
Rossi reported the audience was thoroughly engaged, listened intently and learned a lot from their classmates’ cultures.
“It was an excellent way to close the school year and unite the whole school community around this celebration of cultures. It is amazing to see how we can experience so many different cultures in fabulous Virginia,” she said.
“Our first annual Parade of Nations was truly spectacular. We hope to plan an event like this every year,” Rossi concluded.
Rockledge Elementary School is at 2300 Mariner Way in Woodbridge. Phone number is 703-491-2108.