Parade of Nations

Natalia, a senior student at Lake Linden-Hubbell High School, won this year’s Michigan Tech Parade of Nations logo contest. Her design will be the official logo of the Parade of Nations, printed on T-shirts, flyers and other materials.

It’s incredibly appropriate that Natalia won, since the Parade of Nations celebrates multiculturalism in the Keweenaw, and her art teacher is Miss Heather French. Miss French says that Natalia loves art and she will be going to college for graphic design. Her logo illustrates this year’s theme: Fairy Tales from Around the World. 

Michigan Tech-bound high school seniors could win a scholarship of up to $1000 in a Parade of Nations essay contest.

The essay prompt is, “Our community becomes stronger when people from various backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives come together.”

How have you built connections with individuals different from yourself? How will you contribute to creating a sense of belonging for all students at Michigan Tech?”

The essay submission deadline is June 30, 2023. Submit your essay on this Google submission form.

 

Sarah Rawashdeh, has won the Parade of Nations essay contest on inclusivity. She will receive a $1,000 scholarship to Michigan Technological University, where she will start this fall.

 

The Parade of Nations essay contest was open to high school seniors who plan to go to Michigan Tech. It asked two questions:

• How have you built connections with individuals different then yourself?
• How will you contribute to creating a sense of belonging for all students at Michigan Tech?

In her essay, Sarah writes: “Diversity amongst our community can make way for various cultures and traditions. Being able to educate ourselves about these topics can not only make us more aware of the differences between each other, but also allows us to create a welcoming and loving community for those who are different. For starters, building relationships with people of various backgrounds is rather simple. Communication is key. Being able to converse with those who are ethnically different is an important skill to have. Asking questions about these individuals as well as showing them that you’re interested in where they are coming from, is also very important. Not only does it ensure a sense of understanding, but it also shows that you’re open and willing to learn all about the different backgrounds, cultures, and traditions that are being presented. Furthermore, I will make it my ultimate goal to ensure everyone is feeling loved and welcomed. Making it tradition to celebrate those who are different from us will cause more people to want to join in. And due to the masses coming together to celebrate, many of them will grow curious and therefore, will converse with each other to learn more about what they all consider their norm. Finally, when it comes to contributing to create a sense of belonging between all Michigan Tech students, I would like to create a Cultural Club where the objective is to get to know one another and form friendships by the end of the semester. There will be a series of activities and games that will take place. Each one created with knowledge and information regarding each and every possible culture and tradition. It is important to celebrate our differences. Because we all want to feel included without having to worry about being shamed just for being different.”

 

This year Parade of Nations will take place on Saturday, September 16. Read more on our Facebook Page.

The 2023 Parade of Nations begins at 11:00 AM on Saturday, September 16th from the Quincy Green in Hancock and ends at the Dee Stadium in Houghton. Please submit this application form if you intend to enter a float. Community groups, fraternal organizations, religious organizations, student organizations, etc. are invited to participate. Awards will be given to the top three floats that best represent this year's theme ($300 for 1st place, $200 for 2nd place, $100 for 3rd place). Additional information on the judging criteria will be shared at the end of August.

Approved floats and accompanying walkers will be asked to arrive at the parade start between 10:00 AM and 10:40 AM to allow time to ensure vehicles are in parade order. Applications received after September 9th will be considered, but are not guaranteed.

To assist organizations with their float entry for the Parade of Nations, registered student clubs and organizations can seek up to $100 in funding. Awards are available until all funds are exhausted. Requests must be received by September 1st in order to receive the grant before the event.

For more information about the grant, please contact paradeofnations@mtu.edu, or stop by the International Programs and Services Office, Room 200 in the Administration Building.

Please only submit one request per group. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. You will be contacted within 5 business days of submitting this form.

This year's Parade of Nation t-shirt are on sale in the IPS office via cash and also at the Dee stadium for cash sales. The t-shirt cost will be $15 for an Adult size, and $12 for a children's size. For more information about anything, contact Parade of Nations at paradeofnations@mtu.edu, or call 906-487-2160. Be sure to follow us on Facebook for important updates! 

T-Shirts are available Now!

 

Click here to get the adult sizes T-Shirt.

Click here to get the youth sizes T-Shirt.