There are traditions that define a school, and then there are events that bring those traditions to life in ways that evolve with the community they serve. At Carter & MacRae Elementary School, the annual Panoply has long been a beloved celebration of the arts, but this year, it grew into something even more meaningful.
Principal Rachel Esh described it best: “Out of the 19 countries represented at Carter & MacRae, our students created 13 individualized stations, each aligned with a specific country and culture. This year’s Panoply wasn’t just about showcasing art. It was about exploring identity, understanding heritage, and finding creative ways to celebrate both our shared values and unique differences.”
A new layer of learning
Panoply has always been a “Night of the Arts,” but this year, staff and students took it a step further by incorporating in cultural exploration.
Walking through the building, guests were immersed in student-led displays from colorful crafts and traditional textiles to cultural symbols and hands-on activities rooted in countries as diverse as Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Afghanistan, and more. Each station offered an invitation: Learn with us. Create with us. Connect with us.
And it was clear this wasn’t just an academic project. It was personal. Students took ownership of their stations, proudly sharing the meaning behind the crafts they created and the history behind the traditions they explored. Some stations reflected students’ own backgrounds, while others were opportunities to learn about the cultures of their classmates.
Bringing us closer together
As the evening continued, families and neighbors gathered for musical performances that echoed the same theme celebrating the global stories within our local community. From rhythms and instruments to dances and spoken word, the performances honored the beauty of expression across cultures.
“At its core, Panoply is about connection,” Esh shared. “It’s a chance for our school to reflect on who we are and what we value. This year, our students showed us that art isn’t just something you hang on a wall, it’s a way to build understanding and bridge community.”
A reflection of who we are
Nights like this remind us of what’s possible when we choose curiosity over assumption and collaboration over isolation. This year’s Panoply was a living example of what it means to build belonging through creativity.
To our students, staff, and families at Carter & MacRae: thank you for showing us what happens when learning becomes personal, art becomes connection, and community becomes the canvas. For more photos, visit us on Facebook.