The Cultural Identity Club at Licking Heights is pleased to present their annual student-led Diaspora show celebrating the many cultures, ethnicities and languages represented across the district.

Back by popular demand this year, there will be two performances of the 2025 show: Sat., Feb. 22 at both 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Both shows will be in the high school auditorium, 4101 Summit Road SW, Pataskala, OH. Tickets are $10 and are only available online. Please note there will be NO ticket sales at the door this year.

This is the seventh year for Diaspora, which is one of the most popular events at Licking Heights and regularly sells out each show. It is the main annual event for the Cultural Identity Club, a 150+ student organization at Licking Heights High School dedicated to celebrating diversity, advocating for students and creating an inclusive school environment.

The event will feature individual and group performances of dances, songs (both sung and instrumental), original poetry readings and fashion shows. There will also be a student-made video shown during intermission.

For students, Diaspora is a way to connect with their culture, share with their peers and celebrate their roots. Senior members of the Cultural Identity Club especially value the opportunity to share their cultural history with the community one last time before graduating.

Senior and student-leader Salina Chimoriya is looking forward to her fourth year performing in Diaspora. This year, she will dance and recite an original poem about her identity as a Nepali-American woman.

“I've always loved being part of Diaspora because it allows me to share my culture while learning about others at the same time,” she says. “Events like these are important not only because they give performers a chance to showcase their heritage, but also because they educate those who may not have been familiar with these cultures before.”

Chimoriya says her favorite part of Diaspora is the sense of respect and shared joy among her peers. 

“No matter who is on stage, we all cheer them on and celebrate their moment,” she says. “I hope this event helps people see that, despite our diverse backgrounds, we stand together as one.”

Fellow senior and student-leader Andy Vanegas Sandoval is celebrating his second year in Diaspora. He will read an original poem titled "Hope That Never Fades" about his Mexican heritage.

“As the first representative of a Latin American country in Diaspora at Licking Heights High School, I take great pride in this opportunity,” he says. “I believe events like this are essential, as they provide students with the chance to have fun while engaging with and learning from diverse perspectives.”

Like Chimoriya, Vanegas Sandoval values how Diaspora allows students to both share their culture and learn about new ones.

“I hope that through Diaspora, others will develop a deeper respect for different cultures and cultivate an open mind moving forward,” he says. “I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to my fellow leaders for their dedication and hard work in making this event possible.”