Boothville-Venice Elementary School celebrated 2026 Asian New Year with a colorful cultural celebration that brought students, families, and community members together for a morning of learning, performances, and tradition.
Held on campus in the gymnasium, the event honored the Year of the Horse, highlighting themes of strength, perseverance, and unity. The celebration was organized by Mrs. Stephanie Nguyen and the English Learner (EL) program to help students gain a deeper understanding of Asian cultures represented within the school and the surrounding community.
Students proudly participated in traditional dress, shared greetings in multiple languages, and performed cultural dances, waving of the dragon and songs. Mrs. Stephanie contributed to the event by sharing the explanation of the customs and outfits transforming the school into a vibrant cultural showcase. Presentations of the red baskets were made to Dr, Shelley Ritz, Superintendent and Maria Prout, Principal. The color red symbolizes good fortune, joy, prosperity, and vitality. A special presentation of red rose was presented to Mrs. Stephanie for her hard work and dedication to the EL program.
Principal and staff members and district leaders emphasized that the celebration was more than a performance — it was an educational experience. By learning about global traditions firsthand, students were encouraged to appreciate diversity and respect different cultures. The entire student body, parents, grandparents, and district representatives attended the program, applauding the students’ efforts and the school’s commitment to inclusivity. The event concluded with a reminder that cultural celebrations help strengthen both student identity and community pride.