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IB Festival of Hope at Parkland High School, NC | A Celebration of Service, Community & Well-being
Organizing a Festival for over 1,600 students is no small feat but the IB students and educators at Parkland High School in Winston-Salem made it happen with heart, creativity, and purpose.
This unforgettable day focused on youth voice, local action, and global connection. From harvesting crops at a local farm to engaging spoken word workshops, service projects, and a global cuisine experience featuring Nigerian, Cuban, Argentinian, Jamaican, and Filipino food trucks—every element reflected the passions and leadership of young people.
The festival closed with powerful spoken word performances, monologues, and a parent-student panel on digital safety, followed by an inspiring keynote from Festival of Hope’s own Ziyaan Virji.
Each Festival of Hope is rooted in its local culture and shaped by the community behind it and Parkland’s was a powerful reminder that when students are trusted, supported, and seen, they rise to lead.
