Hamden Students Celebrate Diversity with the Mohegan Tribe

by Emma Richards ◊ Feb 18, 2011

The Mohegan Tribe recently presented a program on Mohegan tribal culture and history at Sacred Heart Academy. Sponsored by the SHA UNITY Club, the February 3rd event was held as part of the school’s Diversity Week.

School administrators and UNITY Club members organized the event to promote diversity on the campus by bringing students together and exposing them to different cultures in entertaining and educational ways. 

“The Mohegan Tribe’s presentation reinforced our sense of community by promoting tolerance, acceptance, and celebration of our differences,” shared Diversity Day moderators Maureen Hayes, Head Librarian, and Carmine Martinez, Chair of World Languages about the Mohegan Tribe’s presentation.

Due to school closures from snow, Diversity Day was the only event held as part of the schools planned Diversity Week. A new tradition at Sacred Heart Academy, Diversity Week was created by the UNITY Club last year.

“Diversity Week is a full week dedicated to ‘YOUNIFYING’ the school in all genres, exposing stereotypes, spreading understanding of different cultures and religions, and working to unify the school as young women,” said SHA senior Nia Vaughn, President of UNITY. “Unfortunately due to the snow our week was cut short, but we had the amazing opportunity to have the Mohegan Tribe perform for our school.”

Sacred Heart Academy, an independent college preparatory school founded in 1946 by the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, successfully prepares young women in grades 9-12 for learning, service, and achievement in a global society. The Academy currently has an enrollment of 500 students hailing from New Haven, Fairfield, Hartford, Middlesex, and New London counties.