Taste of SA Returns

After a forced hiatus due to COVID, the students of Sewickley Academy’s Senior School were thrilled to once again offer an exciting celebration of multicultural spirit called A Taste of SA, designed to showcase, celebrate, and educate about the many cultures and identities that comprise the academy’s student body. Held on Saturday, January 28 in the academy’s Rea Auditorium, the entirely student-led event began with a series of performances and presentations by various school affinity groups and outside cultural organizations.
Hosted by the Student Diversity Leadership Club (SDLC), Senior Isaac Ulloa opened with a welcome and introduction of the SDLC Senior Council and members. He stated, “The teamwork illustrated in the planning of our Taste of SA is but a reflection of the SA community’s work ethic, passion, and extraordinary talent. While we enjoy the events this evening, we should take a moment to reflect on the hard work of the many students who have set the foundation for what Taste of SA is today. Despite the distance between the first Taste of SA 20 years ago and now, we continue to maintain the same goals and values established many years ago: diversity, equity, inclusion, and acceptance.” 

Performances included:
  • Duet of a Chinese folk song, “Jasmine Flower” (Mo Li Hua) with sophomore Jason Chen on piano and freshman Emma Ehan on flute 
  • Three dances by students of the Yan Lai Dance Academy, Pittsburgh's leading dance school in the art of traditional Chinese dance, including a K-Pop performance
  • A video created by the members of the Black Student Union reflecting on their lived experiences at SA and key aspects of their culture
  • Junior Tejas Mitra performed a selection on the dohl, an India double-headed drum 
  • Feminist Club members shared information about important women in our history including Jane Austen, “The Penicillin Girls”, Catherine the Great, and others.
  • The Jadran Beaver Valley Junior Tamburitzans, including Grade 8 student Emily Milanovich, performed several musical pieces and dances

More than 150 guests of all ages from the academy and the community were present, and after the performances, proceeded to the Middle/Senior School Cafeteria to sample cultural cuisine. Entree items included empanadas, spring rolls, pasta, buffalo chicken dip, fried chicken, plantains, dumplings, and more, along with a series of delectable desserts from a variety of countries and cultures.  

Fundraising opportunities included raffle baskets from the Black Student Union, and bracelets (pulseras) and bags (bolsitas) sold by the Latino Culture Club to benefit a group of Guatemalan artisans known as the Pulsera Project. 

Student leaders from SA’s SDLC, Asian Culture Club, Black Student Union, Feminist Club, Inclusive Eats Club, Latin & Roman Culture Club, Latino Culture Club, and Pride Club contributed to the evening from its initial planning stages, through the performances and presentations, and on into serving and clean-up of dinner. It was an exceptional experience worthy of the praise and kind words received from parents and families. Many thanks to all who came out and supported Taste of SA!
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