Parkland High School students celebrated the power of hope with the International Baccalaureate’s Festival of Hope this spring.

In line with the school’s IB magnet theme, the Festival of Hope was a chance for students to share ideas, address pressing global challenges, and engage in inspiring discussions and activities. Organizers hope to inspire young people to think critically about the world they live in and bring their unique perspective to society’s most pressing issues.

“If our global youth and our planet are to have the opportunity to thrive that they deserve, then we must face some hard questions,” said Olli-Pekka Heinonen, director general of the IB. “This means courageous inquiry, critical reflection, and creative action. The IB was built on such a pioneering spirit.”

The festival featured student performances, conversation tables about current world affairs, and presentations on civic-minded school activities, like their recently established clothing closet “Confidence Couture”. Rising Parkland Senior Zaree Fulwood, who founded the closet, says hope is a path to a better future for everyone because of the positive action it can facilitate.

“Hope means that every person can have exactly what they need,” Fulwood said. “I curated the closet because it’s really good knowing that I can give back to people.”

Rhonda Higgins, a Spanish teacher and IB middle years program coordinator at Parkland, says the festival was a source of inspiration for students and educators alike. Seeing the light her students bring into their communities through thoughtful action always gives her hope.

“Forget what you heard about Parkland,” Higgins said. “See for yourself the changemakers and passionate student leaders we are cultivating at our school."

Images and video provided by Festival of Hope

Parkland High School

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IB Festival of Hope Comes to Parkland