214@100: Celebrating diversity at Wheeling High School

Twenty years ago, Wheeling High School began formally celebrating the rich diversity of its students with a "Display of Cultures" event - showcasing fashion, food and traditions from the countries that shaped its students.

Wheeling, District 214's first minority-majority building, has hosted the event annually ever since, with 33 cultures - which have included Australian, Greek and Filipino to Korean, Jamaican, Indian, Italian and Puerto Rican - represented at its 2015 celebration in May.

During the day, students and staff have exhibits lining the hallways, a fashion show, music and dance performances. Proceeds from the show fund scholarships for seniors through the school's multicultural club.

Staff behind the planning annually work to create an enlightening event at which students gain respect for each other's heritage and display their own cultures with pride.

"We hope to express to our community a greater understanding of and commitment to helping humanity recognize and relish its oneness," staff adviser Bertha Sanchez said in 2012.

Diversity throughout District 214 has grown notably in the last decade: In 2014, nearly 28 percent of the district's student population was Hispanic, up from 13.4 percent in 2002. Districtwide, more than 77 languages are spoken in the homes of District 214 students.

Amid the demographic shift, increasing numbers of students have enrolled in Advanced Placement courses and found success in AP tests; completed college credentials and early college credits; and accrued internship hours in potential future career areas before leaving high school.