For a district where dozens of languages are spoken and students bring experiences from cultures around the world into the classroom each day, Spring ISD's inaugural Multicultural Coalition International Festival was more than an evening of performances and awards. It was a celebration of the people, traditions and stories that help shape the identity of the Spring community.

Held May 27 at Dekaney High School's Star Theater, the districtwide event brought together students, families, educators and community members for an evening dedicated to cultural appreciation, student achievement and unity. The festival marked a significant milestone for Spring ISD by combining three longstanding cultural observances—Hispanic Heritage Month, Black History Month and Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month—into a single districtwide celebration.

A Celebration of What Makes Spring ISD Unique

As communities across Greater Houston continue to grow and diversify, Spring ISD leaders said the new festival reflects one of the district's greatest strengths: its people.

"Tonight marks the beginning of what we hope will become a meaningful tradition in Spring ISD," said Spring ISD Board of Trustees Vice President Natasha McDaniel. "One that brings people together through learning, celebration and shared experiences."

The event created opportunities for students and families to share their own heritage while learning about the cultures and traditions of their neighbors. Throughout the evening, attendees experienced performances, artwork and writing that showcased the rich cultural fabric of the district.

Dekaney High School students Maverick Cruz Rojas and Marcikeyra Diaz Angeles served as bilingual emcees, guiding the audience through the program in both English and Spanish.

"This is such an amazing opportunity to recognize some of our outstanding student artists and writers that are around the district," said Cruz Rojas. "All of the creativity, talent and hard work really shows how diverse this community is."

Diversity on Display Through Student Performances

The cultural showcase brought student talent to center stage through performances representing several heritage celebrations observed throughout the school year.

Mariachi Alas de Plata from Dueitt Middle School performed in recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, while the Dekaney High School Diamonds energized the audience with a performance of "Black and Gold" honoring Black History Month.

The evening concluded with a Vietnamese dance performed by Roberson Middle School seventh graders Kim Hoang and Allie Huynh, recognizing Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and highlighting another important part of Spring ISD's diverse student population.

Superintendent Dr. Kregg Cuellar emphasized that diversity remains one of the defining characteristics of the district.

"The diversity here in Spring ISD, it really is our superpower," Cuellar said. "It is what we are known for in everything that we do, because we are one family. I encourage everyone to learn from one another and experience the incredible richness of our Spring ISD community. When we celebrate our differences, we strengthen what brings us together."

Student Creativity Earns Districtwide Recognition

Following the performances, district leaders recognized students whose artwork and writing demonstrated creativity, cultural understanding and appreciation for diverse traditions.

Dr. Brandi Godino-Brotherton, Assistant Superintendent of Academics, and Dr. LaTracy Harris, Chief of Staff, presented awards to winners representing campuses across Spring ISD.

Among the schools recognized were Eickenroht Elementary, Burchett Elementary, McNabb Elementary, Bailey Middle School, Momentum High School, Roberson Middle School, Thompson Elementary, Lewis Elementary, Major Elementary, Anderson Elementary, Beneke Elementary, Ponderosa Elementary, Jenkins Elementary and Northgate Crossing Elementary.

The winning entries reflected a wide range of artistic expression and personal storytelling connected to Black History Month, Hispanic Heritage Month and Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

For Momentum High School, the recognition carried special meaning.

"For our students, these cultural heritage contests provide one of the few opportunities to showcase their talents and be recognized at the district level," said Learning Specialist Claudia Lara. "Seeing them celebrated for their hard work and creativity means so much to our campus."

Building a Lasting Tradition

The evening also honored those who helped bring the inaugural festival to life, including Social Studies Curriculum Specialist Samba Goddard, whose longtime involvement with Spring ISD's Multicultural Coalition helped shape the event.

For Goddard, the festival reflected the values that continue to make Spring ISD a distinctive educational community in the Greater Houston region.

"Spring ISD is a very special place," Goddard said. "The fact that we embrace people's differences, the fact that we literally speak to working together — that's something that I'm blessed to be a part of. And every student should be proud of who they are and where they come from."

Why This Matters for Spring ISD Families

As school districts across Texas look for ways to strengthen student engagement and foster belonging, Spring ISD's new Multicultural Coalition International Festival offers a model rooted in student voice, cultural appreciation and community connection.

By bringing multiple heritage celebrations together into one signature event, the district not only recognized student accomplishments but also reinforced an important message: every culture, every story and every student contributes to the strength of the Spring ISD community.

If the enthusiastic response to this year's event is any indication, the Multicultural Coalition International Festival may soon become one of Spring ISD's most anticipated annual traditions.

District leaders indicated they hope the festival becomes a recurring tradition, continuing to showcase student achievement while celebrating the diversity that defines Spring ISD and the surrounding Spring and North Houston communities.

Stay tuned to My Neighborhood News for more Spring ISD news, student achievements and community updates.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.