May 16, 2019 DetroitDialogue.com 23
THE WESTERN EXPRESS Western International High School | detroitwesternexpress.com STUDENT LIFE
STUDENT LIFE
Detroit schools to observe Ramadan
THE WESTERN EXPRESS
Western International families celebrate Cinco de Mayo parade in Mexicantown.
WESTERN CELEBRATES ITS MANY CULTURES By Milka Aristeo and Jessica Moreno The Western Express s one of the most culturally diverse public high schools in the city of Detroit, the Western community has enjoyed numerous cultural celebrations since February. During the month of February, the school honored the many contributions of African Americans through poetry and art contests. Sponsored by the Office of
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Culture and Climate, students were able to express themselves through the Black History Month Art Contest. Contest winners were sophomore Mekhia Chapman and juniors Alaisia Mays and Mercedes Jimenez. In March, the Office of Culture and Climate gave students another opportunity to showcase their talents. This time celebrating diversity and honoring women through an oratorical contest.
THE WESTERN EXPRESS
Black History month art contest winner Mekhia Chapman shows off her award with principal Angel Garcia.
See CULTURE on page 24 »
By Fatima Ahmed The Western Express Detroit Public Schools Community District will observe Eid al-Fitr on May 25, 2020 as a Muslim holiday for the first time. Teacher aide Suaad Aljunaidi said this has been an issue for a while in DPSCD and is glad the current administration and school board approved it as a holiday. “This is important,” Aljunadi said. “Students will know be able to share this time with their families without missing school, and more importantly, the rest of the community will be able to share this special day as we share other holidays. Sophomore Naja Muthana said she is excited about this recognition. Having observed Ramadan in both Yemen and the U.S. she recalls the “calls to prayer five times a day being really nice because they help you focus on becoming better.” Beesan Yaish, a bilingual academic interventionist who practiced Islam in Palestine, said: “The general atmosphere in a predominantly Muslim setting is definitely more peaceful. The sense of unification and community reminds us of the purpose and the true essence of Ramadan, which is to come together as one with no differences. “This is a time to come together as followers of Islam and an opportunity to please our maker.”
STUDENT LIFE
Western students visit Senegal By Stephania Ramirez The Western Express Every year, a nonprofit organization called buildOn sends a select group of Detroit students to an underdeveloped country to help build the foundation for a school alongside a village community. This year’s trek team was sent to Dafeme, a village in Senegal, West Africa. Our group was welcomed with an opening ceremony to celebrate our arrival and the beginning of the school’s construction. The villagers were full
of gratitude as were we, for their hospitality. During our trip, we learned about Senegalese culture, tried new foods and met so many new friends. Our days consisted of laboring on the work site, participating in cultural activities and bonding with our host families. Our work site duties were to tie rebar, dig foundation, mix cement, make bricks, move supplies and more. Cultural activities included soccer, wrestling and learning how to cook a traditional Senegalese dish called couscous.
THE WESTERN EXPRESS
We visited another finished buildOn school, and had talks about gender roles with the community. Bonding with our host families was challenging due to language barriers, but we managed to work it out. The people of Dafeme were very welcoming and taught us to be grateful for what we have. This experience helped me to step out of my comfort zone and brought me close to new friends I wouldn’t have met if I hadn’t gone on trek.
Advisers: William Bowles and Dorian Evans
THE WESTERN EXPRESS
Students visiting a completed buildOn school.
Staff Writers: Jose Miranda & Karen Sanchez