How a group of middle school students turned one idea and a lot of heart into a vibrant week of culture, pride and connection
It started with a spark of inspiration, and a group of middle school students bold enough to bring it to life.
At Muriel Clayton Middle School, that power came to life during Culture Week, a bold, beautiful celebration of identity, inclusion and community spirit.
Throughout the week, which ran from May 6 to 10, the school transformed into an interactive showcase. Hallways were lined with flags, the scent of global dishes filled the air and the energy was unmistakable: this was a school bursting with pride.
At the heart of it all was the Culture Club, a team of grade 7 and 8 students who dreamed big and delivered. With guidance from mentor Mehak Nijar, a local Grade 12 student and Muriel Clayton alumna, the students built something meaningful and lasting.
“Kids weren’t just walking by,” Nijar says. “They were asking questions, listening, and the student presenters were confident and proud.”
The event was made possible by a $1,500 grant from the Airdrie Board of Youth Affairs, secured through the leadership of Grade 7 student Bianca Agudera.
“I wrote about how COVID had impacted cultural learning,” Agudera explains. “We wanted to bring it back and make it bigger.”
With the grant in hand, students planned a multi-day experience featuring cultural booths, traditional clothing, maps, artifacts and food tastings from a wide range of countries, including Jamaica, Ukraine and Portugal.
“We used the grant for food, flags, decorations, everything we needed,” says Addison Clark, one of the student organizers.
It wasn’t just about cultural facts. Students involved say it was about confidence, voice and pride.
“We really wanted people to feel proud of where they came from,” says Amiyah Bullens. “I learned how much work goes into leading something like this. It takes a team, and we were that team.”
Lily Williams adds: “It takes a lot of courage to show your culture. Not everyone understands or respects it, but that’s why it’s important to share.”
Olivia Agyenim-Boateng hopes to see the message passed on: “Now people can learn, and they can teach their kids one day.”
Looking ahead, the students hope to keep the momentum going.
“We want to keep it going, so more people learn, and more people feel proud of who they are,” says Eylai Ugsod, a Grade 8 student.
In a city where diversity continues to grow, these students are helping lead the way, reminding us that when youth take the lead, communities grow stronger.
Culture Week may be over, but its impact is just beginning.
SIDEBAR: Community Contributors
Culture Week was proudly supported by local individuals and organizations who shared their time, talent and traditions:
- Camilla Forbes, salon manager at Frida Hair in Calgary; hair artistry and protective Black hairstyle demos
- Khushi Chowhan, founder, Day to Give Back
- Gurbinder Singh, Ashke Folk Arts Academy, Calgary
- Youngistaan-affiliated volunteers, cultural support and youth engagement
- Henna by Harjeet, a local Airdrie henna artist; cultural art and traditional henna demonstrations
- Airdrie Arts & Culture Council; community engagement and cultural support
Thank you for helping make Culture Week unforgettable.
