As ETA Payton Storey quickly learned after arriving at SMA Negeri 3 Kota Jambi, there is always a reason to party and display students’ hard work and rich cultural heritage. The OSIS (student council) at his school organized an extravagant festival in late October to celebrate National Batik Day and Language and Literature Month. The event lasted for a full two days and included numerous performances, games, competitions, and vendors.

On the first day, representatives from each grade X and XI class competed in a batik beauty pageant to become student ambassadors for the school, showcasing an ornate array of traditional and modern attire and facing off in intense games of trivia and extemporaneous speech to win the judges’ favor.

On the second day of the festival, students from nearly every class competed in an English singing contest, performing various pop songs and vying for their audience’s attention. Payton served as one of the judges and enjoyed seeing the students’ excitement as they demonstrated their dedication to their songs and English-speaking skills.

After that, students performed many different traditional dances from all around Indonesia, dazzling their audience with their coordination and grace. That was Payton’s favorite part and inspired him to begin traditional dance lessons himself, which he has loved.

As a whole, the festival was a wonderful demonstration of the students’ (and staff’s) diligence in remembering and celebrating their cultural heritage, as well as an excellent opportunity to participate in a vital part of SMA 3’s vibrant campus life.

Payton Storey is currently teaching at SMAN 3 Jambi, Sumatra.