On Wednesday, April 22, 2026, the Port Washington School District’s ENL Department proudly hosted its annual ENL Family Cultural Night at Paul D. Schreiber High School, welcoming over 300 parents and children for an evening dedicated to celebrating the rich cultural heritage that defines the Port Washington community. By fostering an environment of identity, belonging, and unity, the evening brought families together through vibrant performances, interactive learning, and shared experiences.
The celebration was bookended by remarkable student talent, beginning with an opening performance by the Daly Elementary Choir. Led by General Music and Chorus Teacher Tyler Mason-Draffen, the choir set a joyful and inclusive tone for the night. The evening concluded with a dynamic presentation by the Paul D. Schreiber Latin Club, under the guidance of World Language teacher Maria Lovissi, which showcased student talent and deep cultural pride.
A central feature of the event was the multicultural table activities, where families engaged in hands-on learning representing countries such as South Asia (India), Israel, China, South Korea, and Colombia. At each station, parents and children explored unique traditions, artifacts, and languages, creating an immersive educational experience. This rotating focus allows the district to highlight different nations each year, ensuring that families can continuously expand their cultural awareness and appreciation.
The event’s success was further bolstered by the presence of community-based organizations and student leaders. Groups such as the Asian/Pacific American Caucus for Education, Long Island (APACE-LI), the Port Washington Public Library, and the New York State Office of New Americans provided valuable resources and support to local families. Additionally, student volunteers from the World Language Department and the World Language Honor Society assisted throughout the evening, contributing significantly to the event's seamless execution.
To complete the celebration, families enjoyed a wide variety of multicultural food that generously represented the diverse backgrounds of the Port Washington community. This shared meal served as a powerful reminder of the district's unity, providing a delicious way for neighbors to connect and celebrate their collective heritage.
A central highlight of the event was the recognition of student achievements across several meaningful areas:
Civic and Community Engagement: Students were recognized for demonstrating leadership, service, and active participation within their school and the broader community, exemplifying a strong commitment to civic responsibility.
ENL Seal of Biliteracy: Students were honored for achieving proficiency in English and at least one additional language, recognizing their academic dedication and the value of multilingualism.
Language Buddies: This recognition celebrated students who used their bilingual skills to mentor and support younger multilingual learners, fostering connection, confidence, and academic growth.
Puerto Rican Hispanic Leadership Institute (PR-HYLI): This year, an additional group of students was recognized for their participation in this prestigious leadership program, which focuses on developing civic awareness, leadership skills, and advocacy through engagement in the legislative process.
"The evening was a reflection of who we are as a community—diverse, united, and deeply committed to honoring the languages, cultures, and lived experiences of our families. Seeing our students celebrated not only for their academic achievements but also for their leadership, service, and identity is what makes this work so meaningful,” said Priscilla Zárate, Director of ENL PreK-12.
The ENL Family Cultural Night served as a powerful celebration of culture, language, and student achievement, reinforcing the district’s commitment to honoring and uplifting its diverse community.
