GFA Voices 2019

Jenifer Bonilla '22 and Avery Duer '20 preforming at Voices

Note: This article was originally written for the January 2020 edition of the Beachside Press.

By Sam Lublinsky '22

GFA Voices, a school-wide event celebrating our diverse and multicultural community, took place on November 7, 2019. The celebration occurred in the McGrath Gallery outside the Performing Arts Center this year and spotlighted multiple cultures through food at the potluck dinner, songs and dances on the stage, and spoken-word poetry. Hosted by our three senior MC’s, Jazzy Joseph, Beza Tessema, and Nikki Farber, this year’s event featured musical performances from the a cappella groups (Beachers and the Harbor Blues) and many solo performances that highlighted the scope of familial musical traditions at GFA, ranging from traditional Colombian music to pop songs that have a sincere connection to a family. Many poems were also recited at GFA Voices, including Jaiden Jackson (’27) and Mr. Coll’s original pieces. Storytelling was another prominent part of the event as David Basich (’20) discussed the meaning of his hair and Nikki Farber (’20) touched on the importance of her family’s house in Poland. The most unique aspect of GFA Voices in 2019 was the variety of traditions and values displayed. GFA establishes many uniform ideals that are key to binding the community, but the individual differences in the student body create an atmosphere that is accepting of all cultures.