Each fall, Fountain Valley School – an international, boarding, and day high school located in southern Colorado Springs – hosts an annual Unity Day celebration open to the members of its vibrant community of students and faculty representing over 20 countries and 20 states. On October 25, the School took an intentional pause from its structured academic schedule to host the day-long event, which pays tribute to various cultures and identities, and encourages students to embrace the concept of belonging.
Fountain Valley’s 24th annual Unity Day began with a flag walk and assembly, including musical performances and guest speakers, in the School’s Lewis Perry Jr Chapel. In their closing remarks, three members of Fountain Valley’s Community Council, seniors Braulio Valenzuela (Pueblo, Colo.), Eva Muciño (Colorado Springs, Colo.), and Jianing “Leo” Lu (Beijing) said, “In a world that can sometimes feel divided, our ability to come together with a spirit of openness and collaboration is more important than ever. When we unite, we amplify each other’s strengths, create a space for diverse perspectives, and build a foundation of support that helps every individual thrive.”
Encouraged by these words from their peers, students spent the afternoon attending a variety of workshops with topics ranging from art, dance, and games to music, culinary delicacies, and accessibility. “Unity Day is something that not a lot of other schools do,” said co-organizer DeAnna Sandoval. “I think it’s really beautiful to have an entire day to fully listen to each other, to learn from one another, and to try something new.”
This special celebration concluded with a student-run international potluck dinner in the Dining Hall, enabling the School community to sample various culinary staples shared by Greek, Indian, and Chinese students, among others.
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Founded in 1930, Fountain Valley School of Colorado is a boarding and day school for grades 9-12. Situated on 1,100 acres of rolling prairie in Colorado Springs, the School provides a rigorous, global curriculum in academics, arts, athletics, and the outdoors to develop young adults who are courageous, open-minded, self-reliant, curious, and compassionate. Enrollment is approximately 240 students from 20 countries, 26 states, and the Pikes Peak Region. www.fvs.edu