West Essex High School Holds Inaugural AAPI Heritage Month Celebration

By: Caitlyn Liu, Sophomore, West Essex High School

On May 17, 2025, an inaugural event filled with music, dance, and activities was held at the West Essex Regional High School to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage month.

The event kicked off with a traditional Chinese dragon dance, performed by West Essex students. Following the opening performance, West Essex Superintendent Damion Macioci and High School Principal Dr. Kimerbly Westervelt as well as several distinguished guests made speeches recognizing the diverse contributions of AAPI communities to the state’s history and future, while local and state elected leaders emphasized their commitment to promoting inclusivity and cultural pride within the district. Distinguished guests included Mr. Josh Raymond (Mayor of North Caldwell), NJ State Senator Kristin Corrado (District 40), NJ State Assemblyman Al Barlas (District 40), Assemblywoman Rosy Bagolie (District 27), and North Caldwell Board of Education Vice President Sapna Malige.

Assemblyman Barlas who is Pakstani-Muslim-American noted that events celebrating AAPI culture did not exist when he was growing up as an immigrant and how meaningful it is to see this type of cultural showcase.

Following the inspirational words from the distinguished guests, the event transitioned into a vibrant showcase of AAPI culture through a variety of performances. From Bollywood dancing to Chinese yo-yo, attendees witnessed a range of artistic entertainment from across Asia.

After the performances, food and activity stations were opened to the public. Activities included chopstick contests, henna tattoos, and origami. Food was available from a series of different local vendors providing bubble tea, kimbap, samosas, kebabs, and baklava. The West Essex Culinary Club also provided tastings of mochi doughnuts and Filipino lumpia while the Chinese Club donated variety of free snacks and drinks.

The event closed with a fashion show where West Essex students walked the runway to showcase traditional outfits from different AAPI cultures.

As the event came to a close, it left attendees with a deeper appreciation for the richness and diversity of AAPI cultures. Through powerful performances, meaningful speeches, and engaging activities, the celebration not only honored heritage but also fostered a sense of unity and understanding within the community. Events like these serve as a reminder of the importance of representation, cultural pride, and continued support for AAPI voices—not just during Heritage Month, but throughout the year.