GSB Cultural Night Brings Community Together in Celebration of Heritage and Tradition

The Parents’ Association hosted the much-anticipated annual GSB Cultural Night last Thursday, transforming Evans Hall into a vibrant hub of global traditions with special performances. The enthusiastic parent planning committee introduced creative new ideas and worked together on the overall presentation for the event. With over 230 guests in attendance, the evening was a true celebration of the rich cultural diversity within the Gill St. Bernard’s community.

Attendees explored more than a dozen interactive stations featuring ancestry mapping, crafts, old-fashioned games, and even a professional henna artist. Families, faculty, staff, and student clubs proudly showcased unique cultural traditions, artifacts, and country flags, offering an immersive experience into heritage and history. A highlight of the night was the diverse array of homemade dishes, with recipes and table displays representing cultures from the Bahamas, Bulgaria, China, Colombia, Ecuador, Ghana, India, Ireland, Israel, Mexico, Scotland, and more. 

The entertainment portion of the evening began with an exhilarating Lion Dance performance by members of the Edison Chinese School, coordinated by Upper School student Anthony Zhuang ’27. The Upper School choir followed with a moving musical performance, setting the stage for powerful poetry readings by Aaron Davis ’26 and Gabby Schmidt ’25. Faculty member Mr. Gomez shared a heartfelt reflection on his Colombian ancestry, adding a personal touch to the night’s theme of cultural appreciation. The event concluded with spirited dance performances—first by the GSB cheerleaders and then by Parent Committee members Sue Albert and Abby Wellington, who demonstrated the traditional Hora Circle Dance.

Long-standing parent volunteer and event committee member Kim Donaldson reflected on how Cultural Night has evolved into a cherished tradition at Gill St. Bernard’s. “It’s incredible to see how this event has grown into such a vibrant celebration, where the sights, sounds, and flavors of diverse cultures create a deeply moving experience that fosters connection, pride, and a shared sense of community.”

Guests of all ages left with new knowledge, deeper appreciation for global traditions, and full bellies from the generous food contributions of GSB community members. The Parents’ Association extends heartfelt thanks to all who contributed to making this night a resounding success.

Enjoy this gallery of the evening below and listen to the latest episode of the GSB Black Knights student podcast hosted by Gabby Schmidt '25 for interviewing attendees. The podcast is available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.