As the spring equinox approaches, a sense of renewal and ancient tradition fills the halls of Aliso Niguel High School. The ANHS Persian Club, in collaboration with Assistant Principal Mrs. Hosseini, transformed the STEM building into a vibrant hub of cultural exchange to celebrate Nowruz, the Persian New Year. This 3,000-year-old festival, which marks the first day of spring, was brought to life through a meticulous blend of education, music, and community spirit.
The event, held on Friday, Mar. 20, was led by the Persian Club’s dedicated leadership team, including Co-presidents Atrisa Taghizadeh (12) and Ava Menhaji (12), Secretary Elin Izady (10), and Publicity Manager Tala Tabatabaei (10). Their goal was to share the beauty of their heritage with the wider student body during a specially coordinated W+ session.
To attend the session, students were instructed to schedule their W+ under Mr. Lihme’s name to ensure the STEM building could accommodate the number of students eager to learn. The club delivered a thorough presentation that dove into what Nowruz is and how Persians around the world celebrate this time of rebirth.
Club president Ava Menhaji (12) states, “Our goal with this event was to bring a piece of our culture to the Aliso Niguel campus and show that Nowruz is a time for everyone to celebrate new beginnings. Seeing the STEM building filled with students enjoying our music and sweets while learning about the symbolism of the Haft-seen really showed how much our school values diversity and connection.”
At the center of the festivities was a beautifully arranged Haft-seen table, decorated in the library for all students to learn about Nowruz and its symbolic meaning. The table traditionally features seven items, starting with the letter “S,” each representing a specific hope for the new year.
The STEM building, typically associated with formulas and laboratories, was softened by the melodic sounds of Persian music and the aromatic scents of authentic tea and Persian sweets, which were provided to all who attended. For many students, this was a sensory introduction to a holiday that transcends borders, emphasizing the sensation of light over darkness.
The support of Mrs. Hosseini was instrumental in bridging the gap between student-led initiative and school administration. Her presence, alongside the hard work of the club officers, emphasized the importance of cultural representation at Aliso Niguel.
Neekon Akhavanheidary (12) and Ario Shahoveisi (12), both attendees of the event, stated excitedly that “the atmosphere in the STEM building was amazing! It wasn’t just about the food—though the sweets were incredible—it was about seeing our friends and classmates actually take an interest in our traditions. It made the school feel more like a community where everyone’s background is celebrated.”
As the event concluded, the message remained clear: Nowruz is a celebration of the spring equinox and the potential for a fresh start. Through the efforts of the Persian Club, the Aliso Niguel community walked away with a deeper understanding of a culture that values hospitality, family, and the enduring beauty of nature.
