The scent of spices and the rhythm of live music filled the library at St. Patrick’s High School on June 3rd as the Business Leadership and Management class welcomed over 700 guests to their Multicultural Fair. What began as a class discussion quickly became a vibrant community event—one that celebrated culture, challenged stereotypes, and invited connection across generations and backgrounds.
“Each semester, students in this course choose an initiative, and then they have to come together to bring it to life,” said teacher Megan Woodward. “They learn what it means to build a team and be committed to a shared vision. Events like these are meaningful because they invite us all in—and they celebrate the diversity that lives within our own school and community.”
This was not the school’s first multicultural event, but it was a milestone moment for this semester’s leadership students, who took ownership of the fair from start to finish. Drawing on lessons in organization, communication, delegation, and problem-solving, students developed a vision and brought it to life—motivating peers, coordinating community partners, and learning how to lead with purpose and intention.
“Our goal was to celebrate cultures, break barriers, and challenge stereotypes while having fun in a learning environment—and we did just that,” students wrote in their culminating reflection. The event featured 21 cultural booths—eight created by St. Pat’s students and 13 hosted by community partners and Lambton College volunteers—along with a lineup of live performances that brought energy and connection to the space. Guests were treated to Indian fusion, traditional Mexican dances, a moving Peruvian dance by St. Pat’s students and dance partners Bianca and Mauricio, and an Indigenous cultural performance by Clarke White Lightning.
“I was born in Nigeria and I came here when I was six,” said student Ijeoma Uzochukwu during the class’s culminating presentation. “Growing up in Canada, it didn’t always feel like a good thing to be different. This fair was different—it made me feel proud of who I am and where I’m from. This project was personal. It was a celebration of being different and a challenge to break stereotypes—and I think we definitely achieved that.”
More than 300 elementary students from St. Anne and Gregory A. Hogan Catholic Schools were welcomed with warmth and enthusiasm by student leaders, who served as tour guides and cultural ambassadors. Attendees explored booths filled with traditional dress, artifacts, music, and food—carefully prepared and served by the class with help from Chef P and the St. Pat’s food and hospitality team.
From handwritten signs and passport stamps to audio coordination, cleanup, and budget tracking, every detail of the Multicultural Fair reflected the students’ leadership, creativity, and care. But more than that, the event created a space where culture was celebrated, stereotypes were challenged, and everyone—regardless of background—felt proud, seen, and included.
