Students at Dixon High School gathered in the school gym during lunch to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a campuswide event highlighting Irish American heritage. School mascot Rammy the Ram also appeared at the event, posing for photos with students. Photo by Nicolas Brown

DIXON, CA (MPG) — Students at Dixon High School gathered in the school gym at 555 College Way during their lunch period to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a campuswide event highlighting Irish American heritage.

The celebration featured a variety of activity stations, including games such as guessing the number of coins on a table, “Outsmart the Leprechaun,” and estimating marshmallows in a container. Students also participated in face painting, received temporary tattoos and explored informational displays on Irish American history.

Green and white decorations filled the gym, where shamrocks, balloons and a large banner were set up by the school’s leadership club and teacher Kristina Gregory. Students were given green bandanas upon entering as Celtic music played throughout the space.

Snacks included shamrock-shaped cookies and green-dyed soda, which were distributed at a designated table staffed by student volunteers.

Gregory, who teaches English 9, Ethnic Studies and World History, said the idea for the event stemmed from both student representation and prior campus activities.

“I was inspired to organize a St. Patrick’s Day event as we have many students who are Irish-American and St. Patrick’s Day is a huge day of celebration,” said Gregory. “We had a holiday rally for Valentine’s Day, and I thought, ‘Why not St. Patrick’s Day?’ It was another way to recognize all the different student cultures that make up our high school community.”

The celebration featured a variety of activity stations, including face-painting and temporary tattoos. Photo by Nicolas Brown

The event also connected to the school’s Ethnic Studies curriculum, which was introduced this academic year. Gregory said the course includes a European Studies unit that examines the histories of several countries, including Ireland.

“For the story of the Irish people, in class we talked about the Potato Famine and the assistance from the Choctaw Nation,” she said. “This helps show solidarity between two different ethnicities and also brings to light a history that we never learn.”

Gregory added that the course also explores topics such as the Irish Republican Army and the role of nationalism and religion in Irish history.

Student leadership played a central role in organizing the event. Gregory said students assisted with planning, decorating and running activity stations.

“They made the signs for the tables, the photo backdrop, blew up balloons, set up the tables, helped at the tables with my Ethnic Studies student volunteers, provided the music and cleaned up afterwards,” said Gregory.

Additional support came from AVID students and staff, who helped with cleanup efforts following the event.

The celebration drew a large turnout, with much of the student body attending throughout the lunch period. Gregory said initial feedback indicated a positive response from students.

“This is our first year celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, but I think that it was well received from what I observed,” she said.

Student leadership played a central role in organizing the event. According to Ethnic Studies Teacher Kristina Gregory, students assisted with planning, decorating and running activity stations. Photo by Nicolas Brown

School mascot Rammy the Ram also appeared at the event, posing for photos with students. The mascot wore a green cape and shamrock stickers in keeping with the theme.

Gregory said events like the St. Patrick’s Day celebration are intended to foster cultural awareness and provide opportunities for students to connect with different backgrounds.

“I think that these events help contribute to a broader understanding of cultural diversity on our campus,” said Gregory. “It gives people a time to ‘shine’ in who they are and that they are not invisible on our campus.”

Gregory said she plans to continue organizing similar events throughout the school year, including activities that recognize women’s history, disability awareness and other cultural heritage months.

“The message that I hope that students took away from this St. Patrick’s Day celebration is the history of the holiday, the history and voices of the Irish/Irish-American peoples, breaking stereotypes, but most importantly, a sense of pride and connection,” she said.

For more information, visit Dixon High School on Facebook or call 707-693-6330.