Lopez Middle School PTA held its first Multicultural Affair on Tuesday, March 11, 2008—an event they hope to make a tradition. This event celebrated the diversity found in the surrounding schools and community.

Dance performances from Capoeira Brazilian Martial Art, Reagan High School Platinum Steppers, Hardy Oak Elementary Fifth Grade Multicultural Dancers and the African Lambada Dance Troupe filled the evening.

"The Lopez Middle School jazz band blew us away with their renditions of several blues and jazz musical performances," said Sheri Doss, PTA member. "Our parents, Life Science students, teachers and friends prepared cultural delights for our International Food Sampling that tickled our tastes buds." Event participants sampled foods from Nigeria, Asia, Europe, India, Mexico, and Germany. Parents and teachers also provided display items from various parts of the world. Lopez art students made and displayed cultural art pieces specifically for this event.

A community event, Lopez invited the surrounding schools to attend the Multicultural Affair. Neighbors and friends sponsored the rental of cultural costumes for NJHS, PALS and Student Council representatives. Many parents also dressed in cultural attire to support the event.

"[Superintendent of Schools] Dr. Richard Middleton honored us by attending the Multicultural Affair," said Doss. "[He] was spotted moving to the cultural rhythms, and enjoying the different ethnic foods."

After observing side conversations between parents and students about cultural heritage, Lopez PTA members felt the event served its purpose were being shared that evening by the students and their parents, we knew that the Multicultural Affair has served its purpose—to encourage pride and educate others in our many cultures.