Students from the Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) Affinity led a Middle and Upper School assembly in preparation for Nowruz (meaning "new day" in Farsi), the Persian New Year celebration. "This year has been very emotionally difficult for many of us, and in light of that we wanted to take today to share some of our favorite holidays and invite you to join with us in joy and unity," they said. MENA members shared some context around the Persian diaspora and why so many live in Los Angeles, explained why we hear "Iranian" and "Persian" used interchangeably, and talked about their favorite parts of the holiday festivities, including family meals, vibrant clothing, music, and the symbolic items traditionally laid on the Haft-Sin table (check out the table in the PAC lobby, which includes symbols of self-reflection, prosperity, wisdom, and more!).