ISP 2025 Night of Culture Brings the World to Jenks
Photo Credit: Jenks Trojan Torch Instagram
By: Aubrey Hovenga
Colorful flags, music from across the globe, and slideshows of international dishes and traditions filled the Jenks High School PAC on Tuesday night as students gathered for the annual ISP Night of Culture. Hosted by ISP (International Scholars Program), the event served to celebrate diversity, student collaboration, and spread global awareness.
By highlighting the diverse heritages of the school's families, the event supports the school's goal of immersing students in different languages and cultures. By creating a space for learning about and celebrating differences, the event helps showcase the ISP values of kindness, inclusion, and empathy. ISP's purpose is to nurture students into global citizens who are confident and curious. Events like Night of Culture challenge students to think beyond their own experiences and learn about the world in a hands-on way.
Photo taken from the Trojan Torch Instagram showing a Night of Culture participant displaying traditional Zomi clothing.
Much more than community inclusion, ISP is a place for students to come together and learn/educate each other about their cultures and the cultures around them.
Photo from the Trojan Torch Instagram of a participant wearing traditional Indian attire featuring a pink dupatta.
Senior Suan Niang will be walking in the fashion show for the second year. Suan takes pride in the Zomi culture and reflects on the inspiration behind the original piece she will be walking in:
“I made my own top, I designed it. It’s a ‘Zodial,’ with a simple pattern and a toucan on it,” said Niang.
Niang's original design for the Zodial she walked in the fashion show wearing.
Niang explained that the word ‘Zodial’ comes from the Zomi word “dial,” meaning towel. A zodial is a very significant piece of Zomi culture and closely resembles a cloth shawl. Her Zodial is a modern version of Zomi traditional clothing, it was created by Niang and displays the Zomi national bird, the hornbill. The hornbill represents nobility and a beautiful way of life.
Art from Art Station displaying the Zomi flag and national bird.
“I'm representing Puerto Rico, and I'll be doing the fashion show. I'm wearing a big bomba dress skirt with a top and flowers,” said Senior Alanis Morales.
Photo from the Trojan Torch Instagram of Morales in traditional Puerto Rican clothing.
Morales was the sole representative for Puerto Rico and wore a traditional Bomba Skirt. A Bomba is a big, fluffed-out skirt meant for dancing. She also wore a simple flower headpiece, significant to the nature of Puerto Rico.
“It’s amazing to see so many cultures represented in one night,” said Morales in regard to the fashion show.
Senior Cin Sang showcased Southeast Asia. She displayed a traditional Vietnamese fan dance, which is choreographed around the use of fans. For the purpose of this event, it’s self-taught by the students. Sang mentioned that they had to get creative in the ways that they learned this dance.
“I watched YouTube videos on it because we didn't really have anyone who knew how to,” said Sang.
It was an exciting process to prepare for Sang and the final result was worth all of her effort.
Photo from the Trojan Torch Instagram featuring a participant in a traditional Afghan dress.
ISP’s Night of Culture encompassed everything that it means to be a student at Jenks High School. With expert planning from students, parents, and staff, the production was captivating and beautifully run. Congratulations to the students who participated in Night of Culture 2025, see you next year for Night of Culture 2026!
