Students Shine During Golden Elementary’s First Festival of Lights

On Tuesday, October 21, Golden Elementary School lit up with color, music, and joy as students, staff, and families came together for the school’s first-ever campus-wide Diwali celebration. Under the enthusiastic leadership of Principal Kristin McDonald, Golden hosted a school-wide Festival of Lights event.

Diwali, often known as the Festival of Lights, is a global celebration that highlights the triumph of light over darkness and good over challenges. The festival is known for its vibrant decorations, colorful attire, and joyful gatherings. It serves as a time for families and communities to come together, celebrate hope, and reflect on kindness, unity, and renewal.

The event at Golden Elementary featured an impressive performance by 13 fifth- and sixth-grade students, who showcased traditional dances and delivered short speeches about the cultural significance of Diwali. Their performances, filled with energy and pride, captivated classmates and staff alike.

Throughout the day, the spirit of celebration continued across the campus. Teachers, students, and administrators dressed in festive attire while upbeat Bollywood and Bhangra music filled the playground during recess. Students danced, laughed, and experienced a vibrant cultural tradition that many were witnessing for the first time.

Principal McDonald shared that the event was designed not only to celebrate the cultural heritage of many Golden families but also to create an enriching learning experience for all students. “Our goal was to help students embrace and appreciate the beauty of different cultures,” she said. “Events like this remind us that learning goes far beyond the classroom — it’s about understanding and celebrating the world around us.”

By introducing Diwali to the campus community, Golden Elementary set a positive example of cultural inclusivity. The celebration sparked curiosity, respect, and joy, truly embodying the light that Diwali represents.