Bridging Cultures Through Automotive Passion: The Intercultural Leadership Car Show

The air was electric with the roar of engines as the Intercultural Leadership students at Menlo-Atherton High School (M-A) hosted their highly anticipated car show on a sunny Saturday. This event, more than just a fundraiser, served as a powerful platform to bring together individuals from diverse backgrounds, united by their shared love for automobiles.

Uniting a Community Through Shared Passions

Celebrating Diversity and Camaraderie

The car show was a testament to the power of community and the ability of shared interests to transcend cultural boundaries. As senior and car show committee co-lead Tatiola Sobomehin* noted, "Sometimes we focus on all of our differences: where you come from, what you look like. But to see everyone just enjoying the same cars was great today." This sentiment echoed the event's core mission – to create a space where individuals from various backgrounds could come together and bond over their mutual appreciation for the automotive world.The diverse array of vehicles on display, from a classic 1958 Cadillac Coupe DeVille to the iconic Ghostbusters car, captivated the attention of both students and community members alike. As Sobomehin explained, "Our biggest goal today was bringing together people from different backgrounds, different communities, all of our M-A surrounding communities to come out and support students doing things that they feel passionate about."

Fostering Connections and Celebrating Shared Passions

The car show provided a unique opportunity for car enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds to connect and share their love for automobiles. Donald Pong, a car enthusiast since the age of 16, brought his lime green 1970 Dodge Challenger to the event, eager to engage with fellow car fanatics. "There's such a large array of different classes and stuff. I like the Cadillac. It's pretty cool," Pong remarked, highlighting the diverse range of vehicles on display.Community member Dan Pagee, a classic car enthusiast, also attended the event, showcasing his 1967 Chevrolet Chevelle. Pagee, who owns several other classic cars, including a 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air, a 1965 Chevrolet Nova, a 1965 Chevrolet Malibu, and a 1969 Chevrolet El Camino, was drawn to the car show by his grandson's recommendation. "My grandson told me about it," Pagee said, underscoring the intergenerational appeal of the event.

Fostering a Sense of Community and Celebration

The Intercultural Leadership car show was more than just a display of automobiles; it was a celebration of community and a testament to the power of shared passions. As M-A sophomore and co-lead Eliza Crowe explained, "We really wanted to have a place where the community could come together and celebrate cars, as well as build bridges—have a space where people could meet each other, enjoy some delicious food, and spend a fun Saturday!"In addition to the impressive car displays, the event featured a variety of food and entertainment options, including doughnuts, nachos, paletas, and car show merchandise. The Intercultural Leadership students also set up a torta cart, a lemonade stand, and a hamburger and hot dog station, ensuring that attendees could indulge in a diverse array of culinary delights.The car show also incorporated an artistic element, with art teacher Mitzi Ulloa hosting a station where attendees could paint a sign that read "Unity and Community." This interactive activity further reinforced the event's underlying theme of bringing people together through shared experiences and creative expression.

A Successful Fundraiser and a Celebration of Community

The Intercultural Leadership car show proved to be a resounding success, not only in terms of its ability to bring the community together but also as a fundraising event for the class. As Crowe noted, "We were able to pull together and have some really successful fundraising in addition to our car competition. I think the lowkey environment was very appealing to many."The event's organizers were thrilled with the turnout and the positive impact it had on the community. Sobomehin encouraged others to get involved, saying, "If you're interested in joining Intercultural Leadership, we help put on crazy cool events like this. Come talk to Ms. Flores [the Intercultural Leadership teacher] and we'd be more than happy to welcome you!"The Intercultural Leadership car show was a shining example of how a shared passion can transcend cultural boundaries and bring a community together. By fostering connections, celebrating diversity, and creating a space for joyful celebration, the event left a lasting impression on all who attended, solidifying its place as a cherished tradition in the M-A community.