Sanford’s First Annual Cultural Community Day

Driven by the belief that shared stories build stronger communities, the event gave families a platform to celebrate the traditions, memories, and cultures that define them, resulting in a vibrant, meaningful showcase of identity and belonging.

Throughout the morning, families hosted display tables that brought their backgrounds to life. One featured a Filipino parol and jeepney alongside ube desserts and traditional garments; another celebrated New Hampshire with the state flag and a life-sized moose, the state’s iconic animal. The Puerto Rico table offered an array of traditional dishes beside a large flag. The Kenyan table showcased carved masks, soapstone animals, and beaded jewelry alongside a hand-carved game visitors could try, with food blending Indian and Swahili flavors. For Lower School Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coordinator and table host Purvi Patel, it was “a fusion that tells the story of connection along the East African coast.”

From a live steel pan band to student performances, games, and face painting, the morning buzzed with activity for all ages. For students, it was an opportunity to learn from one another in real time. Student organizer Ana Julia Glanden '26 felt the impact firsthand: "Sanford's first multicultural day was an explosion of cultures, and I am so proud to have been able to help organize and experience it. Exploring the variety of foods, talents, and perspectives was a fun way to be exposed to the backgrounds embedded in our community."

That same spirit of celebration resonated for Jamy Haughey, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. "Cultural Community Day was an affirming, joyful experience for families, where they were able to share parts of their identity with a community they deeply value," shared Haughey. "To be seen and celebrated authentically was a gift this event gave to all of the families who participated.” 

The vision for Cultural Community Day was about how when individual stories are woven together, it creates a stronger, more vibrant community, and our first annual event did just that.