SOMERSET, N.J., October 26, 2026 — Flags from around the world stretched across the gymnasium at Cedar Hill Preparatory School, while tables filled with family recipes, colorful displays and traditional attire transformed the space into a celebration of cultures and community.
On October 23, students, parents and teachers gathered for the school’s annual Multicultural Night, an evening that brought families together to share the traditions, flavors and stories that connect them to their heritage.
From the moment guests arrived, the celebration reflected the many cultures represented within the school community.
Sharing Heritage, One Dish at a Time
Traditional clothing added color and character to the evening. Families arrived in saris, kurtas, hijabs and festive Mexican dresses, while children proudly posed for photographs with parents and grandparents in clothing that reflected their family traditions.
The Heritage Tables offered another way to experience cultures from around the world. Families prepared dishes representing China, South Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean and other regions, giving guests the opportunity to discover new flavors and learn the stories behind the food.
Each dish featured a card identifying its country of origin and listing common allergens, helping guests explore the offerings with confidence.
One Filipino family brought a particularly creative touch to the celebration by recreating a sari-sari store, the neighborhood corner shop familiar throughout the Philippines. Complete with colorful bunting and bags of snacks hanging from its wooden frame, the display offered guests a glimpse of everyday life and community traditions in another part of the world.
Music, Dance and a Parade of Nations
As the evening continued, the gymnasium became a stage for cultural expression. Students and families performed traditional and folk dances, including a classical Indian dance and an energetic Caribbean routine featuring waving flags and flowing skirts.
The evening culminated in a Parade of Nations, with students proudly representing their heritage as classmates and families cheered them on.
For Marisela Turcios, a Cedar Hill Prep teacher who organized the celebration as head of the school’s Multicultural Committee, the event captured the value of bringing people together through shared experiences.
“Seeing our students proudly wearing traditional clothing, trying new foods, dancing to each other’s music, and running around laughing together reminded me exactly why we celebrate,” Turcios said. “Our differences are what make our community so strong, and Friday night showed that in the most beautiful way.”
Building Global Perspectives From an Early Age
At Cedar Hill Preparatory School, Multicultural Night extends beyond an annual celebration. As an International Baccalaureate Candidate School serving Preschool through Grade 8, CHP emphasizes international-mindedness and encourages students to approach the world with curiosity, empathy and an appreciation for different perspectives.
Those values take shape through everyday experiences: tasting a dish prepared from a classmate’s family recipe, learning a traditional dance or discovering a custom from a country a student has never visited.
By creating opportunities for families to share their experiences and traditions, the school helps students recognize that understanding the world begins with listening to the people around them.
The celebration was made possible by the Heritage Table families, student and family performers, volunteers, Multicultural Committee members and CHP staff, whose efforts brought the evening together. Photography was captured by Anju Kalra.
Discover Cedar Hill Prep
For families interested in learning more about the school community, Cedar Hill Prep will host an Open House on Saturday, November 7, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Visitors can tour the campus, meet teachers and administrators, learn about the school’s educational approach and explore admissions for Preschool through Grade 8.
To RSVP or learn more, visit cedarhillprep.com or call 732-356-5400.
About Cedar Hill Preparatory School
Cedar Hill Preparatory School is an independent Preschool–Grade 8 school located at 152 Cedar Grove Lane in Somerset, New Jersey. An International Baccalaureate Candidate School, CHP emphasizes inquiry-based learning, academic excellence and the development of curious, compassionate global citizens.