August 1, 2023
Taking Pride, Celebrating Culture, and Spurring Change at Patterson High
Student-run Catalyst for Change group created Culture Night to build community
It was a celebration!
The room at Patterson High School was packed with students, families and community members feasting on favorite family recipes, exploring vibrant cultures, dressing in traditional attire, and dancing to music from a mariachi band and an African dance troupe. Young ones played international games as attendees perused cultural “stations” around the room that represent the 11 nationalities found in Patterson’s school community.
The event was called Culture Night, and the idea for it came entirely from students.
After seeing negative narratives being spun about their school, their friends, and their communities, a group of students wanted to do something about it. So they created a club called Catalyst for Change to elevate and celebrate Patterson High’s vibrant, diverse, and welcoming community of classmates, staff, and families.
“It brought me to tears because these young people were so passionate about this work, and about taking control of their narrative,” explained Patterson High School Principal April Myrick. “They really took ownership and approached me with objectives for how they want the school community to operate and to be perceived. Culture Night was a huge part of that work.”
For Culture Night, group members recruited food vendors, invited classmates and parents to participate, planned community-wide promotions to spread the word about the event, and brought in local businesses to share information about job opportunities.The festive event drew 200 enthusiastic community members plus dozens of partners and businesses!
Catalyst for Change plans to continue its work into next school year - creating the second annual Culture Night, exploring mental health support for students and staff, and continuing to elevate and celebrate their community.
“The students who started this may not have been traditionally the most outgoing; but they took initiative and acted as leaders,” explained Principal Myrick. “You could see their confidence change. You could see the pride they have in their school. The name of their group is perfect. They truly are catalysts for change.”
