As one of the most diverse high schools in Portland, we have so much rich community and culture. These students appreciate and love to acknowledge their uniqueness.

Ja’siah Clay, Sophomore

Clay is thankful for his culture and who he is. Clay is Korean, Indian and African-American on his dad’s side and African-American, Italian and Native American on his mom’s. 

“I’m proud of my cultures because of the fact that I’m a part of so many of them, getting to experience so many different things,” he said. 

One of his favorite foods is his grandma’s cucumber kimchi. 

“It makes me feel like I have a better connection with my grandma and dad,” he said. “I like how simple it is, to me at least.” 

In the end, Clay will always be grateful for all the cultures that he has. 

“The greatest thing about me is just how diverse I am and how big my family tree is,” he said.

Sadie Hernandez-Fierros, Sophomore

For Hernandez-Fierros, culture helps her understand the meaning of life. 

“The meaning of life is making my parents proud,” she said. 

Hernandez-Fierros explained how her parents sacrificed a lot to get here and for her to get a good education.

 “Being a Mexican-American makes me happy,” she said. “I love the food, family, dances, respect and traditions.” 

Hernandez-Fierros loves eating birria and pozole. Her parents cooking makes her feel good inside.

 “Homemade meals are always the best,” she said. 

Ozora Spevak, Freshman

Spevak is half French on her mother’s side of the family. She likes eating many French desserts. 

“I enjoy crepes, quiche, baguettes and creme brulee,” she said. 

Spevak has also been to France many times, specifically Paris. 

“It’s beautiful there, the architecture is amazing,” she said. “It’s really nice just to walk down the streets.”

 Spevak feels that being surrounded with people and art has helped her connect more with her French culture.

Sureika Shore, Junior

Shore is a mixed-raced person born in America.

“My culture is actually something I’ve felt conflicted about often,” he said. “I’ve felt not connected enough, or stuck between two sides.” 

That being said, Shore loves his Punjabi and Indian culture on one side of the family. 

“I like the food, movies, dancing, clothes, music and people,” he said. “There’s no party like an Indian party.” 

The other side of his family is largely white, British-American. But both sides are spread out around the world. 

“As a member of an international family, and a fan of a lot of cultures, I think everyone should seek out and interact with all the cultures they can, respectfully of course, and learn something new,” he said.

Being able to celebrate and enjoy the ways of life is something that is very special to all these students. Our huge community of culture is something that will forever be unique at McDaniel.