In an effort to break down social barriers and help students realize the abundance of diversity that exists at Catonsville, CHS students and teachers indulged in the food, music, and cultural and social interactions of Mix it Up Week from March 9 to the 13.
Organizers of the week long event, the SGA, PTSA, and school administration, hoped to shine light on the different races and social statuses that co-exist not only in our school, but in our community. The goals organizers hoped to achieve for the week were to foster a school environment where students would feel comfortable interacting with students they would not normally interact with and increase students’ awareness and tolerance of other students and their social and ethnic background.
Mix-it-Up week began with the Kick-it-Off assembly on Monday. The assembly began with a slideshow of photos displaying students of different races and backgrounds interacting with one another.
The assembly continued on with student speakers Brittany Smith, Brandon Vanek, Wayland Bowie, Mutasim Khan, Shou Wang, and Mark Howard.
Howard, a student enrolled in the Special Education program, began the series of diversity talks with an impassioned plea to Catonsville students to remember that Special Education students are just as welcome here as anyone else.
He also commented on a controversial statement made by some CHS students that suggests that Special Education students have an advantage over students not enrolled in the program.
“I don’t see my disability being an advantage for me. I don’t see how me having to come in early to make up missed work during the week is an advantage,” Howard remarked.
Mutasim Khan recalled his shocking experience in dealing with border patrol on his way home from Canada in which he and family were pulled over and detained.
“It turned out that my entire family had been on the no fly list…” he said despondently.
Many students believe that the speakers were a great contribution and addition to the assembly and the week as a whole.
 Sophomore Laura Bruns was impressed with the presentation and the entire week as well.
“I enjoyed knowing the speakers and loved hearing their stories,” she explained.
The Kick-it-Off Assembly also featured musical performances ranging from genres of jazz, tribal, and hip-hop, and more.
To continue the week, Tuesday and Wednesday featured the Mix-It-Up Museum. Students were able to view displays that highlighted the diversity and variety of background in Catonsville and in the community.
On Thursday, students and teachers were encouraged to dress according to their heritage.
“I was looking forward to the museum and international dress day. It was a great opportunity to see sides of people you don’t normally see during the day,” she said.