A south Salem middle school kicked off summer vacation with a lively schoolwide assembly featuring dance and spoken word performances representing a wide range of cultural traditions. 

Judson Middle School, located near Woodmansee Park, closed out the school year Thursday, June 11, with its annual multicultural assembly. About 50 students, sixth through eighth grade, took part in the program, performing before classmates, staff and guests, including Superintendent Andrea Castañeda.

Now in its second year, the event has quickly become a point of pride for the Judson Jaguars. Organizers say similar cultural assemblies have begun to spring up at other schools across the district following last year’s event.

Students, many in vibrant traditional dress, performed dances from Marshallese, Tahitian, Hispanic, African, European and Asian cultures. Students of Pacific Islander descent performed the Haka, a powerful Indigenous ceremonial dance. Students of Ukrainian descent read a Ukrainian lullaby, while participants in the school’s Unified program energized the crowd with a cheer performance.

For organizers, the event is about celebrating the many backgrounds that make up the school community.

“All of these cultures are part of our American culture,” said Eileen O’Conner, special education instructional assistant who helped organize the event. “Every culture represented here adds something unique to the American experience, and that diversity is one of our greatest strengths.”

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