EleanorThibodeau

A swirl of colorful quinceañera dresses followed by a tear-inducing story from senior Kelsey Herrera, as well as many other girls sharing their culture through song and story, is exactly what Marian girls experienced at their Crusader Activity Block (CAB) on Oct. 9.

While most of the school was present to witness this CAB honoring Hispanic Heritage Month, students do not know the planning that went into it, or who did the planning.

Marian’s Board of Belonging, moderated by Mrs. Ty Nared, has been working behind the scenes since their first meeting at the beginning of the school year. 

A key part of planning was finding students who wanted to participate. 

The Board of Belonging was intentional about each aspect within this CAB. They knew it would be best to find students who were eager to share their culture. “It is important to celebrate and recognize those diverse cultures in our school and learn a new way to show appreciation to them,” junior Ashley Bialas said. 

Bialas is a member of the Board and took part in planning this cultural celebration. She was happy to be a part in sharing the culture of so many Marian students. 

“I hope that girls are able to see and know that there is a diverse range of cultures and heritages within Marian,” Bialas said. A true part of the Marian community is the different voices and cultures that poke through everywhere you look. 

“It is important to recognize these cultures still exist outside of those appreciation months,” Bialas said. Holding a CAB during Hispanic Heritage Month is important to highlight the culture shared by a number of Marian students.

Senior Nyapuka Buop is not only a part of the Board, but she is the president. Buop has been on the Board to bring more inclusion into Marian. 

“Board of Belonging is dedicated to promoting inclusivity through school activities and events that help every student feel truly part of the Marian community,” said Buop.

The Board of Belonging is made up of a small group of girls who have a passion for sharing other cultures and making each student feel included. 

“Board of Belonging has helped me find my voice within my community and grow as a leader,” Buop said. 

Not only has this Board helped the greater Marian community grow together, but it has also helped empower its members.

The Board of Belonging is an essential part of Marian to help every student grow through learning and sharing other cultures. It also helps its members grow a passion for inclusion.

Marian is where passions, involvement, ideas and cultures are enriched. Each person who shows up for school and work at Marian every day contributes to the beautiful and diverse community and culture that we all know and love.