At Kathleen Macdonald High School (KMHS), the student body represents a wide array of cultural backgrounds, often expressed through traditional foods and drinks. From the labor-intensive preparation of Filipino desserts to the communal sharing of Mexican beverages, these traditions serve as a primary connection between a student’s home life and their school identity.
Carson Balmonte, a culinary student at KMHS, focused on ube desserts for his final project. He noted that while the dish is culturally significant, the technical process is demanding and requires a high level of patience.
He said, “You have to boil the yams, peel them, and mash them forever to get the texture smooth. You can’t really cut corners if you want it to taste authentic.”
He emphasized that the effort required to make the dish correctly is a point of personal pride. He said the experience increased his respect for traditional methods and helped him grow as a cook.
While some students, like Balmonte, focus on the creation of these items, others rely on them for a sense of stability and community.
Renat Ulises Mierisch Issataeva, a Junior, mentioned that horchata, a traditional Mexican rice-based drink, has been a favorite of his since childhood. For him, the drink is a symbol of his heritage.
He said, “It just makes me feel good about where I came from.”
The theme of community support is also prevalent in the KMHS athletics department.
Senior Clareese Pangillian has spent four years preparing lumpia for her end-of-season banquets, noting that the appreciation from her teammates drives her to continue the tradition.
She said, “The hard work of prep pays off when you see the team enjoying it.”
For students like Jewel Mercado, these flavors provide a similar sense of historical connection. She described the Filipino soup sinigang as a focal point of her family gatherings.
She said, “It’s a dish that brings my whole family to the table.”
Similarly, Maliyah Mamea said foods such as spam musubi are a part of her heritage that she loves. For her, a student-athlete at KMHS, these traditional foods represent a bridge between her roots and her daily life.
She said, “It’s the perfect snack [to have] after practice.”
Cultural traditions at KMHS also provide an opportunity for students to experience backgrounds other than their own.
Jay Stokes, a Junior at KMHS, tried a mangonada during her freshman year after being encouraged by her friends.
When reflecting on her experience, Stokes said, “Trying new things is just a cool way to feel more connected to my friends and where they’re from.”
At KMHS, these traditional drinks and dishes ensure that even in a busy school environment, heritage can remain a constant presence.
