Chief Sealth Multicultural Night, baskets to pens to dancing

Story, photos, and video by Deanie Schwarz
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

27 groups and 85 students, including some Sealth alumni and a few students from other schools, were represented last night at Chief Sealth International High School‘s 4th annual Multicultural Night. The newly renovated school’s Galleria and Commons had throngs of students, families and neighbors milling through tables to learn more about the school’s clubs and programs, as well as classes offered at Chief Sealth.

The Chief Sealth PTSA held a raffle throughout the evening, with winners announced at the evenings stage performances. Community-donated prizes including certificates for Proletariat Pizza and Snap Fitness, as well as an iPod shuffle, back packs and the enormous food basket shown atop this story, filled with delectables:

Nan Johnson, woodshop-class instructor , explained that woodshop students sell their craftwork from their classes and even honor requests for customized engraving on items including, puzzles, pens and ornaments:

The pens shown above are made by the students on lathes, using imported woods such as zebra wood as well as colorful acrylics. The pens sell for $15/$20 each and, like other woodshop products, can be purchased through Ms. Johnson (ncjohnson@seattleschools.gov). Johnson says that her courses also use donated leftover construction materials which are then used to teach students construction and carpentry skills rather than going to the landfill. Inquiries for donations or pricing can be made to Ms. Johnson.

Also showcased last night: Global Visionaries, with students currently raising money for a two-week spring trip; the film festival we covered last week also was related to the program. Twelve Sealth students will be traveling in April and June with Sealth teacher Noah Zeichner to Guatemala,

In Guatemala, they will spend time on a coffee plantation among other experiences, learning about global environmental-justice issues. Meantime, a cheering crowd watched stage performances last night, including the Ukulele Club, Poetry Club, Filipino Club, Latino Dance Club, Hip Hop Club, and in this next clip, the Vietnamese/Cambo Club:

And dancing was very well-represented by talented students in the Polynesian Club and the Break Dance Club:

P.S. It’s school-tour season, and Sealth’s tours are listed on the school homepage.

6 Replies to "Chief Sealth Multicultural Night, baskets to pens to dancing"

  • Brooke Beals December 10, 2010 (11:38 am)

    I am so proud to work for the YMCA at Sealth! Last night was so much fun and the student performers were amazing! Thanks to everyone who came!

  • Peggy Van Aller December 10, 2010 (11:42 am)

    Sounds like a really fun event! Wish I could be there.

  • Carrie Syvertsen December 10, 2010 (12:03 pm)

    That’s right….the YMCA is the reason this night was such a success. Their after school programs provide an opportunity for students to engage in dance, music, art, among others…and all these groups shined last night!!!

  • Terri Ainardi December 11, 2010 (7:46 am)

    It is outstanding to see so many students shine at this fabulous school. There tends to be a lot of focus on sports. No slam on the athletes – my daughter is one of them. I so appreciate the efforts Brooke Beals of the YMCA and the hard working student performers who make CSI a well rounded, truly multicultural, high school.

  • Cheri December 11, 2010 (4:14 pm)

    My little brother John made over half of those pens shown!! I am so proud of him, he is a senior at sealth this year!!

  • Ann December 12, 2010 (1:19 pm)

    Congratulations to the students at Chief Sealth who demonstrated the richness our world has to offer. Also kudos to Carrie Syvertsen who helped to organize the event.
    The world is a better place because of your efforts.

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