KagES Cultural Day has raised $10K

Kagman Elementary School’s Cultural Day has provided over $10,000 in additional funds for the school, according to principal Ignacia Demapan

She disclosed that besides the rides, games, informational displays, and song-and-dance performances, the whole-day activity has also raised funds for KagES students’ immediate needs on campus.

Demapan said KagES managed to raise the amount through the traditional Little & Miss Blue Marlin, which this year were won by Manny Aaron and Justin Rain Kirby.

Last Saturday, community members once again gathered at the KagES campus and joined the school as it held its ninth annual cultural day which was highlighted by presentations and demonstrations from various ethnic groups.

This year’s theme was “Connecting our culture and heritage to make a difference in our future.”

The school actually held a theme competition that was won by fifth grader Kowa Limes.

“The teachings of our ancestors bestowed on subsequent generations value the arts, celebrations, respect, love, virtues, morals and celebrations of life. From this, we learn and practice the ways of life as our ancestors have taught us…let’s celebrate and make difference in our future,” Limes said.

KagES is home to 624 students from various cultures—Chamorro, Carolinian, Japanese, Koreans, Paluan, Chinese, Filipinos, Thais, Caucasians, and citizens of the Federated States of Micronesia.

Demapan said that through activities and programs like the Cultural Day, students of the school are given importance by highlighting and appreciating their individual cultural roots and origins.

“This is where it is designed for…to make everyone understand, appreciate, respect, and love each other’s cultural backgrounds and tradition,” she said, adding the event also promotes appreciation and learning of the arts.

Among the cultural displays and demonstrations in KagES’ Cultural Day were Rey Romolor’s Carolinian Food preparation; Betty Igisaiar’s coconut oil-making and weaving; Lino Olopai’s rope learning; Janet Santos’ bead making; Terry Somorang’s mwar making; Emilio Ayuyu’s herbal medicine; Manny Borja’s Chamorro book display; Jenny Baek Huh’s Korean kimchi; and the artifacts display by the Historic Preservation Office.

Arlynna Agustino, a fifth grader, admitted that the school’s annual activity is among the most-awaited community events of her family. It is where, she said, they spend the whole day enjoying the games, rides, and stage presentations.

Among the ethnic demonstrations, she said the Tahitian group got her interest the most.

“I love watching how they dance…” she said.

Kenaleen Schardt, also a fifth grader, meantime said that she was amazed by the various products on display at the booths.

She said she is interested in knowing more about mwar and beads making.