PHOTOS: Leal Elementary International Gala

More than 300 parents, friends, and local community leaders packed the California room of the Cerritos Park East Community Center Thursday night as the LEAP Foundation presented its very first International Gala for Leal Elementary School.

The evening featured multiple performances by Leal Elementary students who performed song and dance ranging from a hip hop Bollywood performance to a traditional Filipino cultural dance.

In an area once found to be the most diverse place in the country by two Cal State Northridge geography professors, a gala celebrating the diverse cultures of Artesia and Cerritos only seemed appropriate to event organizers and school officials.

"The more we learn about each other, the more we realize we are more similar than we are different," said Leal Elementary principal Laura Makely. "I think our kids come in with maybe even certain stereotypes or certain ideas but then they get to talking and they are all so similar," she said.

Makely also emphasized the importance of having her students learn about other cultures at an early age, especially in such a culturally rich area of Los Angeles. 

"Part of getting along, growing, and contributing positively is understanding each other," explained Makely. "If we blur the lines early, there are no lines to erase later," she said.

Leal Elementary students are no strangers to performing live on stage.  Students at the visual and performing arts magnet school regularly display their talents on stage which Makely says is important for building self confidence. 

"For them, it is like second nature," explained Makely, who also added that she was "blown away" by the evening's performances.  

Proceeds from the gala, which also featured an international cuisine dinner, will benefit the LEAP Foundation which helps provide a visual and performing arts education for Leal Elementary students.