On May 17, CIRCLE participants from all areas gathered at Northampton's Look Park to celebrate their strengths, achievements, and common heritage as newcomers in America. Children and elders, students and staff, Vietnamese,Russians, and Cambodians--all came together in a day of festivities and commemoration. "Today marks a special gathering to give thanks and recognition to people who keep the spirit of CIRCLE burning," said Director Sally Habana-Hafner. "It is a warm feeling to see all of us, with different faces, ages, and cultures, come together and enjoy a day of being one family of communities."

Graduating students at UMass and Mount Holyoke College--many of whom were first in their families to attend college--were honored, as well as
graduating high school seniors. The assembled newcomers recognized graduate students, graduating SAC students from UMass, and from Mount Holyoke, and high school graduates who were all part of CIRCLE's community. Then the celebrating began with dance, song, and a feast of ethnic food. Cambodian youth entertained onlookers with dances from their homeland, a young men's choral group sang Russian songs, and Filipino educators visiting UMass danced native dances. Many young people joined in the festivities, including members of the Cambodian and Vietnamese Giving SEED youth groups, Latino youth from Boston, and Russian children with their families.