Cover Story

The Student Life Office at Kellenberg Memorial High School rolled out a popular new club in the 20212022 school year which explores the mosaic of cultures that make up the heritage of the Firebird Family. The One Heart, One Mind, Many Cultures Club is dedicated to developing positive student opportunities which engender a closeness with Christ and promote the awareness of, and appreciation for, diverse cultures. The mission of the club is to promote meaningful dialogue, cooperative spirits, and open hearts to help foster relationships that are rooted in Christ.

Aiden Jusma ’24 creates his own portrait inspired by the neo-expressionist art of Jean-Michel Basquiat during a One Heart, One Mind, Many Cultures paint event.

“The reason why I like the One Heart, One Mind, Many Cultures Club is because it made me feel represented and seen. I think it’s important that we get to learn and understand more about people’s backgrounds and cultures, along with all the things that happened in history.”

—Romy Limonta ’22

“This club gave me the opportunity to travel around the world without leaving my home. It gave me a deeper appreciation of not only my culture, but other cultures as well. This year was the first year of the club, and I can’t wait to see what I’ll learn next!”

—Katelyn Takes ’23

Serving a school community of over 2,600 students, Kellenberg Memorial’s Student Life Office aims to build a cooperative synergy amongst the student body, faculty members, and administration. With the ultimate goal of supporting students’ growth as Christians, while educating the mind and nurturing the heart, the introduction of a club dedicated to fostering knowledge and respect of the many cultural backgrounds of the Firebird Family was a natural extension of growth.

Assistant Principal for Student Life Mrs. Jennifer Mulligan ’96 shares, “Kellenberg Memorial is always looking to embrace each and every one of our students. Our goal since the doors opened in 1987 has been to educate not only the minds of our students, but also the hearts, through COR (Civility, Order, and Respect). When we love and respect

Saint Maria Elizabeth Hesselblad once said, “The Lord has called us from different nations, but we must be united with one heart and one soul.”

“It was amazing to see the cultural makeup of our student body and for our students to feel a stronger sense of ‘One Heart, One Mind.’ Since we are all made in God's image and likeness, it was a blessing for our students to find unity in diversity.”

—Mr. Joe Moncada ’09

others, every student feels valued and accepted. Our teachers are successful in educating our students and celebrating diversity through interactive and dynamic lessons. On a student level, the One Heart, One Mind, Many Cultures Club has worked with students peer-to-peer to embrace all the wonderful cultures that embody our students through song, dance, history, trips, art, culinary exploration, and more. It has been an exciting year of discovery, love, and acceptance.”

The One Heart, One Mind, Many Cultures Club hit the school year on the ground running by creating a survey to dig deeper into the various backgrounds encapsulated within the student body. The survey found that the Firebird Family represents a total of 78 nations worldwide! Next, the members of the club went about planning activities to take place throughout the year which would shine a light on a number of different heritages and the accompanying cultural celebrations associated with each one. Assistant Principal for Academics Mrs. Angela Cameron ’03 explains, “The club successfully highlighted several cultural celebrations and historical events throughout the year including Hispanic American Heritage Month, Chinese New Year, St. Patrick's Day, Black History Month, Women's History Month, Haitian Flag Day, Juneteenth, and more. Through exploration of and discussions on a diversity of backgrounds, viewpoints, cultures, hobbies, and more, the students continue to find unity.”

Rooted in the knowledge that all of God’s people throughout the world are connected through Jesus’ promise of our salvation through repentance and faith, the One Heart, One Mind, Many Cultures Club organized a special way to honor Mary, Mother of God, during the month of May. Students recorded videos of themselves explaining the apparitions of Mary across the globe. The videos contained stories of Our Lady of the Pillar, Our Lady of Good Health, Our Lady of the Good Event, and Our Lady of Gietrzwald. These pieces gave insight into how people around the world praise Mary, while also highlighting the Firebird Family’s love and devotion to Jesus, through Mary.

Saint Maria Elizabeth Hesselblad once said, “The Lord has called us from different nations, but we must be united with one heart and one soul.” Every member of the Firebird Family has his or her own unique story representing a thread in the fabric of our cultural mosaic. It is when all of these individual threads are woven together and strengthened in the Body of Christ that the tapestry of life truly reflects the vibrancy and utter beauty of God’s constant love for all of His people.