Dumfries Elementary celebrates diversity

Dumfries Elementary recently hosted its first Multicultural Family Festival in honor of Dumfries District School Board representative Betty D. Covington.

The well-attended festival celebrated the diverse Dumfries community through local business and embassy donations of food and cultural artifacts.

Students, families and staff wore native costumes, shared traditional foods, and performed through song and dance. Many local groups such as the Mount Olive Baptist's Women of Grace Dance and Mime Group, Virginia Hip Hop Academy and United Martial Arts of Woodbridge, as well as the kindergarten and first-grade students provided entertainment.

Guests included Covington, Superintendent of Schools Steven L. Walts and Diana Lambert-Aikens, associate superintendent of eastern elementary schools.

Grandparent and volunteer Lynda Lilly was moved by the "spirit" of the event, exclaiming, "I really enjoyed Women of Grace's performance. It set the tone for appreciation, peace and gratitude for all the diverse cultures that make our community great. Everyone at Dumfries is so kind and the staff seems to genuinely enjoy their jobs."

In their opening remarks, Walts, Lambert-Aikens and Dumfries Elementary School Principal Melvina Michie thanked Covington for her years of dedicated service to Prince William County. They also thanked the students, families and staff for creating a day to celebrate and explore the rich cultures of the Dumfries community.

"As a former Dumfries Elementary teacher, principal and parent, the school always holds a warm spot in my heart," Covington said. "My three children all attended Dumfries Elementary, and their early education here was a wonderful foundation for the successes they continue to be blessed with in their adult lives. I am proud to be honored and happy to say that this event continues Dumfries Elementary's dedication to providing students with a 'World-Class' Education."

At the end of the event, kindergartner Crystal Kwayke said, "I liked singing, but the best part was in the cafeteria trying all of the yummy foods."

—Reprinted with permission from Prince William County School