Food that is shared alongside friends and family can not only give way to close bonds and formative memories, but establish ties to culture and a sense of belonging. This sense of cultural belonging shines through clearest during the holiday season, as these winter holidays can take on different expressions of personal identity and background. With the vast and diverse student body at MRHS representing people from all over the globe, the holidays are a great time to appreciate not only familiar and time tested family traditions, but share and appreciate new ones from close friends.
Nick Sutula, a 10th grader, shares his Christmas traditions rooted in his Polish heritage. In his family the holiday is marked by the preparation of perogies. Their celebration extends beyond just the feast, as they partake in Wigilia, a pre-Christmas Polish party where close families come together for a potluck sort of party. The night involves staying up until midnight and attending church the next day, creating a unique blend of festivity and religious observance. One distinctive aspect of their holiday preparations is their pierogi assembly line. For Sutula and his family this is not just about making the pierogies but engaging in conversation and strengthening the familial bonds between one another. “I enjoy talking and bonding with my family while we are making the pierogies as it helps me maintain the close relationship we have,” Sutula said. Sutula’s family also enjoys shopping for each other at 5 Below before Christmas to get quick gifts for each other before the holidays.
Familial bonds are a common theme between students with rich cultural heritage, showing strongly in some of the unique Korean food traditions at MRHS. Junior Zach Kang and senior Minji Kim describe their unique ways of celebrating the holidays, recounting their most memorable holiday dinners. Kang celebrates Christmas in a traditionally American way with prime rib and honey baked ham, Kim brings in the new year with Korean tteokguk, a warm soup she eats with her family. The one commonality between them though is the desire to pass on the cultural traditions that make these holidays special. While Korean culture typically sees women cooking in the family, Kang joins his mother in the kitchen to help provide through the season out of desire to maintain what makes his heritage special.
“I think it’s important that I learn how to cook these foods unique to my own identity, ” junior Zachary Kang stated.
In the realm of festive traditions, Darren Wang, a 12th grader, stands out for his unique approach to expressing gratitude. Every year, Wang dedicates himself to creating a feast that goes beyond the ordinary, showcasing his appreciation for friends through the art of food. His culinary journey begins at noon and extends until 6 pm, a six-hour culinary marathon fueled by his passion for cooking. What sets Wang apart is his quest for complexity and intricacy in the dishes he prepares. Rather than opting for simplicity, he constantly seeks to elevate his culinary skills, aspiring to delve into the world of European cuisine. His culinary ambitions extend beyond mere recipes; Darren aims to master the art of crafting good basic European dishes and sauces, showcasing a desire for culinary excellence and a deep appreciation for the rich traditions of European cooking. In Wang’s own words, “I try to provide as much as I can as food is the number one way I like to show my appreciation for people.” This sentiment encapsulates his dedication to the culinary arts as a means of expressing gratitude and fostering connections among friends during the season of giving.
While MRHS has a strong academic culture and quality teaching staff that help the students prepare for postsecondary school and the workforce, one of the most consistently understated elements of student life is the diverse cultural representation, and no clearer is this than during the holiday season. During the winter months, students get the chance to share in unique foods, traditions and a sense of community as they celebrate their unique heritage.