Lake County Gazette

The Westminster Academy of International Studies (WAIS) recently hosted “WAIS Family Diversity Night” as part of Hispanic Heritage Month. The event, held earlier this month, aimed to bring together the school community to celebrate cultural diversity.

The evening featured student performances, including songs and traditional folklórico dances. Attendees enjoyed a variety of homemade dishes such as tamales, Gelatina de Mosaico, Peruvian specialties, and Venezuelan desserts, highlighting the diverse flavors found in Hispanic cultures.

“Celebrating diversity is essential in an international studies school,” said Fay Airomlo, principal at WAIS. “It helps students understand and appreciate the many cultures, perspectives, and experiences that shape our world.”

The Parent Teacher Association organized several activities for families, including dances and arts and crafts. The event was designed not only to honor Hispanic heritage but also to reflect the inclusive environment at WAIS.

“It builds empathy, respect, and a sense of global citizenship, preparing students to collaborate and lead in diverse environments,” Principal Airomlo added. “By honoring diversity, we create a school community where every student feels valued, seen, and inspired to learn from one another.”

Waukegan Community Unit School District 60 serves Lake County schools such as Andrew Cooke Magnet Elementary School and Waukegan High School among others (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/). According to state data from the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), approximately 79.5 percent of students in the district identify as Hispanic (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/). The district employs over 1,000 teachers with an average salary of $63,524; most are women according to ISBE statistics (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/). In 2020, Waukegan Community Unit School District 60 reported spending $23,429 per student for a total expenditure exceeding $359 million (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/).