Culture Week 2026

Culture Week brought our community together to celebrate the many cultures, traditions, and experiences that enrich life at Padua.

Sponsored by Culture Crew, the week offered students a variety of opportunities to reflect, learn, and engage with cultures from around the world.

The week began on Monday with “Color Your Calm,” an activity that encouraged students to slow down and practice mindfulness through the art of mandalas. The calming exercise gave students a chance to relax, refocus, and express themselves through color.

On Tuesday, students experienced the energy and rhythm of an African Dance workshop, where they learned traditional dance movements and explored the cultural significance behind the style.

Wednesday brought a global adventure with “Where in the World is Dr. Burris?” in Room 226. The interactive experience invited students to explore cultures across the globe while learning more about how interconnected our world truly is.

The week culminated on Thursday with Padua’s Culture Assembly and Fair, an exciting celebration featuring performances, cultural displays, music, and community participation.

We were honored to welcome Padua alumna Jessica Perez-Beebe ’94, mother of Lilliana ’29, as our guest speaker. She shared reflections about the importance of embracing new experiences, trusting your calling, and using your God-given talents to make a positive difference in the world.

Students also enjoyed a variety of performances that highlighted cultures from around the globe. The Padua Dance Team kicked off the celebration with a high-energy K-pop routine to “KATSEYE.” The Charter School of Wilmington and Newark Bollywood Club, featuring one of our own Maria James ‘27, brought vibrant Bollywood dance to the stage. Students were also treated to an Irish dance demonstration from Audrey Keener ‘26, Mallory Keener ‘28, Kailyn Lawler ‘27, and little sister & future panda, MaryKate Lawler, a lively cumbia-inspired performance by Padua’s fourth-year Spanish students to the song “Soy Yo,” and a spirited drill team performance.

The assembly concluded with a line dancing session led by Reginald Oliver and his dancers, who invited the entire student body to join in and celebrate together.

Throughout the afternoon, the Culture Fair transformed the Panda Café into a global gathering space where students shared traditions, displays, food and experiences representing cultures from around the world.

Thank you to Culture Crew for organizing a meaningful and engaging week that celebrated the diversity, talents, and global connections within the Padua community.

More pictures are available on our Facebook & Instagram accounts and a video recapping the assembly.