MAPLE PARK - There are a lot of students with international backgrounds in the Kaneland School District. Kaneland High School has a Global Cultures Club to increase students' awareness of diversity. The majority of the international students come from Spanish-speaking countries, but there are also students who come from Ukraine, Poland or other countries. Katie Henigan, an English Language Learners teacher for 20 years, is the adviser of Global Cultures Club. She said she wants to share students' culture with their community. “I have the privilege of working with these students and their families,” Henigan said. Students spend a lot of time in Henigan's classroom. “They enjoy being around students from different cultures,” Henigan said. Sophomore Joseph Delgado, president of Global Cultures Club, likes to learn about other cultures. Being of Puerto Rican and Mexican origin, he said he feels a special connection to other international students. “At first I realized I was one of the few Hispanic kids at school, and I saw the other Hispanics hanging around at Henigan's room,” Delgado said. “I'd say [Global Cultures Club] is one of the things that makes people keep an open mind [about diversity],” Delgado said. “Its purpose is to get more people involved in knowing more about their [own] family, heritage and friends and to make people more knowledgeable of the world,” said junior Mera Kolisnyk, also a club member. Global Cultures Club has done several activities and field trips. Members went to the Mexican Fine Arts Museum and to Northern Illinois University to listen to international speakers. They also did a project with ELL at John Stewart Elementary School. Delgado said that students' understanding of other cultures increases, especially through projects like the one at the grade school. “When you talk to a younger generation, they can relate to us [as international students] and that influences them,” Delgado said. - Written by Mona Koerber