TEECS Students Shine at Somerset Community Diversity Festival

On October 15, 2023, the Somerset Community Diversity Festival came alive with stunning performances by students from Thomas Edison EnergySmart Charter School (TEECS). Selin Daskiran, a 9th grader, and her fellow 5th graders, Pelin Daskiran and Michelle Wang, mesmerized the audience with their Chinese cultural talents.

Selin Daskiran and Michelle Wang showcased their musical prowess with the traditional Chinese instrument, the Guzheng. The ethereal sounds of this ancient stringed instrument filled the air, transporting the audience to a world of enchantment. Meanwhile, Pelin Daskiran treated festival-goers to a captivating Chinese local folk dance, demonstrating the power of art in bridging cultural divides.

Speaking about their experience, Selin Daskiran stated, “We’re proud to be part of this event, sharing Chinese culture with our community.” Pelin Daskiran added, “Art brings people together, regardless of their backgrounds, and we hope our performances inspired others to learn about different cultures.”

Michelle Wang concluded, “This festival reminds us that our differences make us stronger together.”

Selin’s ninth-grade status and Pelin and Michelle’s fifth-grade status highlight the remarkable talent that exists within TEECS and serves as a testament to how young individuals can promote unity and understanding through the arts.

As the Somerset Community Diversity Festival wrapped up, attendees left with a renewed appreciation for cultural diversity and the impact of the arts in fostering harmony within a diverse community. Selin Daskiran, Pelin Daskiran, and Michelle Wang’s performances will be remembered as a shining example of how diversity, inclusivity, and the arts can bring communities together.