Thursday evening was a celebration of cultural diversity and togetherness at Woodland Hills High School, as students, staff, community members, and special guests came together for the Ambassador Masire-Mwamba International Festival.
This is the second year that Woodland Hills has hosted an International Festival. Her Excellency, Mmasegkoa Ambassador Masire-Mwamba of Botswana to the Kingdom of Belgium, was the special guest last year. Thanks to her enthusiasm for the event and the support from Pitt Business, this event was able to continue and it was named in her honor. This year, Woodland Hills was thrilled to honor Rev. Dr. Humphreys Zgambo and additional dignitaries from Malawi.
Attendees were treated to the sounds of a live Mariachi band as they entered the high school, as Mariachi International de Pittsburgh made a return appearance. They performed as guests sampled a deep, diverse menu of foods from around the world. The authentic cuisine catered to a number of different cultures and food types, and featured the cooking of community members, local businesses, and the district’s partner The Nutrition Group.
As guests ate and talked, they were also treated to the sounds of the Woodland Hills Jazz Band performing in the auxiliary gym. District and community groups, as well as representatives from the University of Pittsburgh’s Centers for Latin American Studies, Asian Studies, African Studies, Russian Studies, and Eastern European Studies had tables set up for guests to learn more about their programs and initiatives.
The jazz band gave way to Kuumba African Drumming, which led instructional and introductory drum circles that aspiring musicians of all ages were able to join.
Eventually, everyone made their way to the auditorium for one last African drumming performance and the second portion of the evening’s agenda. Superintendent Dr. Daniel Castagna welcomed attendees and the special guests, while Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum Dr. Eddie Willson shared more about the importance of the festival. Dr. Paul Harper from Pitt Business shared a few words before introducing Floyd Troutman, a Woodland Hills High School and Pitt Business graduate. Mr. Troutman introduced Ambassador Masire-Mwamba, who thanked Woodland Hills and Pitt Business for the honor of naming the festival after her and who encouraged continue growth and celebration of the district’s cultural diversity.
Dr. Willson then introduced Rev. Dr. Zgambo, who expressed his appreciation for being able to be part of the event. He was presented with a commemorative plaque from members of the Woodland Hills National Honor Society, while other members of the Malawi delegation were presented with gifts.
The Tamburitzans, a hit from last year’s festival, returned with a sensational performance of traditional Bulgarian and Romani music and dance. Their performance was the final act of the evening, with a fireworks show serving as the parting display for everyone in attendance.
The Woodland Hills School District and Pitt Business graciously thank everyone who helped make this event possible. The idea is to make this an annual fixture in the district’s calendar as Woodland Hills continues to celebrate the varied cultures and traditions that make this community special.