Annandale High school experienced incredible transitions over the years. What started out as a fairly similar student body has changed into an intercultural and diversified community that reveals larger changes in society

Annandale high schools’ initial student body mostly reflected the social composition of the area, which at that period was predominately white. Yearbooks and alumni archives from the 1960s and 1970s show that minority groups were underrepresented in athletic teams and classes, with people having a largely identical cultural viewpoint. During that time, Annandale highschool had a relatively small student body of color, which was reflective of larger trends in Fairfax County, where the percentage of black students was less than 4%. It took until the middle of 1960s to accomplish full desegregation, and yet major ethnic upheavals did not occur until later decades.

“While the school was already diverse when I arrived in 2000, with minorities making up over half the population, the largest group was still white students. Today, the composition has changed dramatically.” said substitute teacher Mr. Bumbaca

In the 1980s, Annandale’s demographics dramatically changed as Fairfax County district had developed into a major destination for international immigrant families who brought a variety of cultural languages, backgrounds, and traditions with them. Changes in the economy also brought families from a spectrum of economic statuses to the area, contributing to a greater mix of its diversity. The appearance of Annandale was progressively altered by this flood of newcomers and it exposed students to a range of perspectives in  a more welcoming setting that improved the school environment by allowing peers to engage with a worldwide community. 

A major turning point was accomplished in 2009 when Hispanic students accounted for the majority of the student body for the very first time ever, signaling a new era in the school’s demographic mix.

“I think diversity here at Annandale highschool gives students the opportunities to see and experience different cultures.” said Head of Safety and Security, PJ Taylor. “Such as how they react, how they think, different foods they eat, different friendships that they make, and how well they relate.” This growing diversity presented obstacles as well as opportunities for many students.

“While the transition hasn’t been without difficulties, it has fostered resilience and creativity within the school community” said Mr. Bumbaca.A diverse range of languages, traditions and viewpoints were brought to Annandale by students from across the world. This growing diversity provided students with a priceless possibility to learn. “It’s amazing to become more acknowledged with the differences every person shares,” says Junior Aurushi Lamichhane, whose family migrated from Nepal.“It’s like having a global snapshot within school just by learning about other students’ cultures and backgrounds.”

For some students, this increasing diversity also provoked a sense of unity and belonging. “It makes me feel included,” said senior Diana Vargas. “It too changes the way I view these people, and showing respect for their beliefs and traditions is important.”

At Annandale high school, diversity is now actively promoted as a core principle with the school now becoming an international collection of perspectives, traditions and experiences because we have students from almost every continent. 

The experiences at Annandale continue to leave a lasting impression on many of its students. “I’m sure no one has ever walked the Annandale hallways without being changed,” said former Annandale student Heri Tafesse. “I believe students sharing their unique traditions fosters diversity awareness and appreciation; empowering us for both school and humanity in such a complicated society”.

As Annadale expands, diversity is bound to be central to its purpose, influencing beyond its reputation but also the lifestyles of each and every student that’s in it. Years after graduation, students will continue to gain respect, understanding, and worldview from engaging with people from all walks of life, building them for a more interconnected world.

“it better prepares them for an increasingly diverse world.” said Mr. Bumbaca. Annandale’s diversity is the pride of its students, where they constantly educate others about their tradition in cultural events such as international Night or Just World. These festivals are a reminder that we don’t just deal with our divisions, but also we celebrate them.

Being a part of a diverse school like Annandale means more to students than simply attending a classroom with individuals from other origins. It means expanding our knowledge of our planet, overcoming misconceptions, and gaining insight from one another which has greatly influenced students’ lives throughout the years