The average student may think that sitting through school assemblies on the uncomfortable surface of wooden bleachers is a grueling experience, but this year’s Heritage Fair will not disappoint.

Under the direction of Associated Student Body (ASB) Assemblies Supervisor Kaela Ismael and Assemblies Commissioners Michael Saber and Anna Shutovska, an intense planning process was conducted in order to ensure maximum efficiency in preparation for a successful Heritage Fair, which takes place on March 1.

This year’s Heritage Fair will be more than just an assembly. For the first time ever, it will feature a fashion show, as well as food, and technical improvements.

Although the Assemblies team has taken the proper measures for a successful assembly, they have a lot to live up to.

Last year’s heritage fair was “one of the best ever,” according to Activities Director and ASB teacher Jim Kelly.

Last year, ASB Publicity, under the direction of Kristi Tom (now a freshman at the University of the Pacific) put on an extremely impressive visual display in the gym.

The walls were converted to a map of the world. Students in the bleachers could look above themselves and see all seven continents and cultural landmarks displayed on the wall.

To counter last year’s unbelievable decorations, ASB Publicity supervisor Drew Jung came up with a smart plan.

Over the course of about a month, Jung and his commissioners worked tirelessly every day during fourth period making posters of major city landmarks and national landmarks.The final result will be a breathtaking view of the world’s most famous skylines.

“As an advisor, I don’t expect commissioners to do what they did last year, but apparently Drew does,” said Kelly.

The ASB Assemblies team has already proved they can put on a good show — the Homecoming Assembly in October was a far cry from your average, pump-up-the-team, Homecoming assembly.

The assembly was based around the theme, “Life of a freshman at Carlmont.” This risky approach to the assembly featured freshman class president Timmy Miller, who successfully acted out hilarious transitions from one performance to the next.

“Kaela and her commissioners were willing to think outside the box for Homecoming, which planted the seed for them to think outside the box for Heritage Fair,” said Kelly.
The four Assemblies Commissioners are prepared to take on yet another risk for Heritage Fair to raise the bar even higher.
“Our first step was refining the preparation process to ensure the quality of performances,” said Ismael.

“We wanted to make sure the performers had a feel for what they’re going before they actually perform.”

Ismeal and her crew organized two dates for performance previews, on February 12 and 13, in order to ensure the quality of the performances.

For the first time ever, ASB will host a Heritage Fair “Fashion Show.” On February 28, the day before the assembly, Carlmont students are invited to strut their stuff on a blue carpet in the quad to display their cultural pride.

“The fashion show is for people to get excited about the assembly and to show off their cultures,” said Ismael.

Some technical improvements to this year’s assembly will be an extended time period from 60 minutes to 70 minutes, as well as improvements from the emcees, who will provide information about each club before it performs.  After the assembly, students will be able to enjoy food in the quad supplied by various cultural clubs on campus.

Last year, clubs were subject to harsh health guidelines, which resulted in just two clubs selling food at lunch. This year, several clubs are promising delicious food that meet the guidelines.