Cooper student event brings talents and culture together

Students in the Asian American student group at Cooper High School have something special in the works to honor Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month.

On Friday, May 24 the school community is invited to participate in “The May Show” that includes student performances and an art display. The event will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. in the auditorium at the high school. Food and flowers will be available for purchase. Admission is free and all are welcome to attend. Cooper High School is located at 8230 47th Ave. N. in New Hope.

“The event gives students an opportunity to showcase their talents and allows our Asian student body to come together to celebrate our cultures,” said Jasmine Lee, a sophomore at Cooper High School and one of the event hosts and the Master of Ceremony. 

Student performances include singing, choreographed dances, jazz band and musical performances. Many of the song choices have cultural significance or are performed by Asian American artists. Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase flowers at the event to give to the performers.

“For students, the May Show promotes a sense of belonging and racial and ethnic pride. For the community, it’s one way to be seen, heard and valued,” said David Kek, Climate and Culture Specialist at Cooper. 

The art display will include art from students across the school, not just those in the Asian American Student Group. 

“The goal of the event is to honor Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month,” Kek said.

“We do this through ethnic and cultural art, creativity and talents of a community that has been invisibilized and excluded, in both the past and present.

The event is planned primarily by students with the goal of amplifying student voice. Kek said he is consulted as needed, but the student group makes the majority of decisions. 

The food that will be sold at the event reflects Asian American culture.

“We hope to highlight the community at our school and bring our cultures and talents together in honor of AAPI heritage month," Lee said.