Thursday, October 1, 2026
The Franklin Early Childhood Center transformed its hallways into a global showcase at its 14th annual “One World Cultural Celebration,” a lively event that brings together students, families and staff to honor the many cultures that make up the school community.
The event featured food, music and interactive displays from 21 countries and the celebration invited families to share their heritage through traditional dishes, posters and cultural artifacts, turning the school into a vibrant, hands-on journey around the world, on April 16.
From tables filled with homemade specialties to colorful presentations highlighting customs and traditions, the event offers young students a meaningful introduction to cultures beyond their own.
“I think the collaboration among everyone is incredible,” said FECC Principal Nicole Montellese. “The families come together because every family who’s running a country might not have known each other before this. We get them together and it’s a great thing for other families to meet each other.”
The annual program has become a cornerstone of the school’s mission to foster inclusion and understanding at an early age, particularly in the diverse Hewlett-Woodmere community.
“Being in the room seeing it all live and knowing this is what our community is made out of is the best part,” Montellese said.
She said preparations for the annual event officially start in January by meeting with the Parent Teacher Association, but it is talked about all-year long.
“We have so many incredible parent volunteers who help run this,” she said. “Along with some really involved staff members who help run this.”
Families and students play a central role in the event, working together to prepare displays that reflect their heritage. For many children, it is an opportunity to see their own culture represented and valued in a school setting, while also learning firsthand about the traditions of their classmates.
Afrina Lima, a Hewlett resident and aunt of a student, said she volunteered to introduce other people to her Bangladesh culture, where she’s from, the outfits and food.
“You learn new things through diversity,” she said. “It helps people understand about more colors of the world.”
She prepared for the event by deciding what to serve and took into consideration the different levels of spice in the food.
“My niece loves this type of stuff, and I just want to make her happy,” Lima added. “I just want to help other kids learn about the culture and know about it.”
Beyond the food and festivities, educators say the event carries an important message about global unity and acceptance.
“I honestly could cry thinking of all the different types of families we have here and the wide variety of cultures we have in Hewlett,” said Alex English, special education teacher at FECC.
By highlighting traditions from around the world, the One World Cultural Celebration encourages curiosity, respect and connection — values school leaders say are essential to building a strong and inclusive community.
“It just makes me very proud to be part of this school, this district, to serve in this district and to spend time with all the families and children,” she said.
