Topeka West High School program highlights student body diversity

Topeka Capital-Journal, The, Mar 10, 2001 by VINCENT BRYDON Capital-Journal

By VINCENT BRYDON

The Capital-Journal

Afew students from a proud tradition said Friday they wanted to let their peers know that they aren't so different from anyone else.

Four Topeka West High School students shared their experience of being Chinese in the United States during a panel discussion at their school.

"We want to show that we're not any different from them. We're just normal people," said freshman Cuong Dang, 15.

Ninth-grader Jonathan To agreed: "We're just like them. Just because we're Asian, doesn't mean we're that different."

In addition to answering questions about family, rebellion, marriage and education, the panelists said that understanding difference is important.

"There is a diverse number of people in the United States, and we really should get to know each other's background," said senior Tom Dang, 17.

The panel was one of two events marking the end of the school's Heritage Week, an annual event during which TWHS teachers and students study the history and traditions of one culture.

Nancy Hope, University of Kansas outreach coordinator for the Center of East Asian Studies, facilitated an Asian brushwork workshop Friday.

Library media specialist Diane Goheen helps to organize the event each year and said that she has been pleased with student response to this year's celebration.

Panelist Stephanie To, 18, said she also was pleased with the response of her peers and their attentiveness.

"They really listened to what we had to say," she said.

TWHS senior Kuma Folnsbee, 17, who attended the event, said he thought the mission of Heritage Week was noble.

"It's worthwhile to educate people about different cultures," he said.

Vincent Brydon can be reached at

(785) 295-1285 or vbrydon@cjonline.com.