FINN Valley College in Stranorlar celebrated ‘Multicultural Day’ last Friday to celebrate the 21 nationalities represented among the student body in the school.
It was a colourful and vibrant event wholly enjoyed by the students, their parents and the staff in the school, embodying the core values that underpin the ethos of Donegal ETB schools: care, respect, excellence in education, and what the day really represented: community and equality.
Dáithí Mangan had the honour of presenting the Irish flag to special guests Sergeant Ruaidhri McLaughlin and Corporal Jamie McAleer.
A team of enthusiastic students and staff led by Freda Diver hosted a morning exhibition showcasing the food, music, dress and cultures of all the different countries that make up the school community.
The day was a joyful celebration of inclusion and identity, as students proudly shared aspects of their heritage through traditional dress, music, dance and cuisine.
A wide array of delicious foods allowed attendees to ‘travel the world’ through taste, while lively performances of traditional dances and music created an atmosphere of excitement and unity.
Irish dancers give a performance during Multicultural Day.
Students embraced the chance to express their cultural backgrounds, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation among their peers.
The afternoon saw the school community unite for a performance celebrating Thomas F. Meagher, whose foundation encourages schools nationwide to participate in an annual ‘Flag Day’ promoting pride, respect and peace in Ireland as represented by our flag.
Tina Garry co-ordinated a poignant multicultural ceremony to honour the core values represented by the flag, which was complemented by music arranged by Shannon Gallagher, supported by Denise Jacobs and Paddy McDaid on sound.
Sergeant Ruaidhri McLaughlin and Corporal Jamie McAleer pictured at the raising of the Irish tricolour.
Brothers Dáithí and Brogan Mangan then had the honour of presenting the flag to special guests Sergeant Ruaidhri McLaughlin and Corporal Jamie McAleer based in Finner, against the backdrop of a melodic rendition of Amhrán na bhFiann by Shannon Gallagher.
Declan Collum of Ballybofey & Stranorlar Historical Society spoke eloquently on the history of our national flag and on its current status both in Ireland and internationally.
The 1st year choir pictured singing at Friday’s event at Finn Valley College.
A particularly poignant moment was when Becky Doherty sang the ballad, ‘Grace’, the story of the wedding of Joseph Mary Plunkett’s marriage in the final hours in the lead up to his execution in 1916.
The afternoon was punctuated by recitation of apt pieces of poetry by TY pupils and traditional dance performances from Botswana and Ireland, as well as some Croatian music from first-year Rhea.
Deputy Principal Ashlean McGeehan spoke of her pride in the students and her gratitude for the enthusiasm and appetite for caring for each other in the school.
There was a real buzz around the school throughout the day, making the first Multicultural Day at Finn Valley College a vibrant and memorable way to end the term.
It was a wonderful celebration of community and a reminder of how education brings us together through shared understanding and respect.
Photos: Gerard McHugh.
Finn Valley College students pictured at the Multicultural Day event.
Tina Garry who co-ordinated the Multicultural Day at Finn Valley College on Friday last.
Céalan McMenamin speaking at the event.
Declan Collum, Ballybofey and Stranorlar Historical Society.
Erin Alexander who played the keyboard during the celebrations.
Finn Valley college student Lone Raditante who performed a dance routine.
Lee O’Mahoney.
Finn Valley College Deputy Principal Ashlean McGeehan.