October 17, 2025 – The spirit of global unity was alive and well at Clovis Adult Education as students, families, and staff gathered for a vibrant Multicultural Carnival earlier this month. The evening air was filled with international music, the aroma of diverse cuisines, and the joyous sounds of a community celebrating its rich cultural tapestry.
The event, organized by the school’s English as a Second Language (ESL) students and teachers, transformed the campus into a global village. The festivities began with a spectacular Parade of Nations, where students proudly carried the flags of over 30 home countries, showcasing the incredible diversity within the school.
“The parade of nations is probably my favorite part of the evening,” said Melissa Holdener, the Academic Learning Director. “Just seeing the students come by with their flags and all of their cultural pride and heritage… it’s just a really beautiful thing.”
Following the parade, guests explored interactive booths created by the students. Each booth featured informational displays, traditional games, and opportunities to win prizes. A highlight of the night was the “Global Goodie Table,” which overflowed with desserts from around the world. Though only sweets were on the official menu, students’ pride in their heritage led them to share generous platters of tamales, meats, and other savory dishes from their home countries. The festive atmosphere was capped off by a student-curated playlist that inspired a spontaneous dance party.
This year’s carnival was tailored for the school’s night students, ensuring they had the same opportunity to share their culture as the daytime students did last spring. According to Principal Marci Panoo, the evening setting created a uniquely special event.
“It was smaller than we had hoped, but it actually made for a more intimate event,” Panoo explained. “Tonight was really the students and their families.”
Panoo stressed the importance of such gatherings, noting that they do more than just celebrate culture—they build foundational relationships. “It forms some friendships and some lasting relationships that will serve them well throughout the school year,” she said. “By helping the adults, we’re helping the whole family… it really is helping the whole community.”
In a world often marked by division, the Multicultural Carnival stood as a powerful example of unity. Both organizers highlighted the event’s role in creating a safe and welcoming space for all.
“We really treasure all our ESL students and all of the diversity that they bring to our campus,” Holdener stated. “We do everything we can to honor and respect and to show them that they’re welcome here.”
For those who missed it, the Multicultural Carnival is an annual tradition. The school alternates hosting the event between its day and night programs to ensure all students get a chance to participate. It remains a free event, open to the entire community, offering a wonderful opportunity to travel the world in a single evening.