With flags carried to cheers and applause, Branford High School (BHS) kicked off the school year Sept. 14 with the Parade of Nations representing much more than the banners of more than 80 nationalities.

"What we really do here today is celebrate diversity," said BHS Principal Lee Panagoulias, Jr. "Each one of those flags, in some way, represents a small part of us. But behind the tradition of the Parade of Nations is another tradition we have here at BHS, and that's how each of us treats one another. At BHS, we celebrate what makes each of us different."

The procession, organized by the Cultural Diversity Club, featured dozens of students and staff carrying colorful national banners through the commons in the center of school. The entire student body cheered for each successive flag. The cheers grew into a crescendo as the final marchers, carrying an over-sized American flag, made the route.

The marchers were accompanied by live music from the BHS Strings Ensemble led by Christine Cohen. Members of BHS Music Makers sang a rendition of John Lennon's "Imagine," led by Cathyann Roding and accompanied by student instrumentalists on guitar. Student speakers Pompeo Mazzella and Stephen Perrotti talked to their peers about appreciating and celebrating their differences.

In his address to the students gathered, Panagoulias said that BHS is a leader among schools in the state in its efforts to promote tolerance and understanding "because we know what makes each of us different is what makes each of us better. We decide that we are going to make our differences our strength, and that our differences will never become a weakness."

He implored the senior class to pass that tradition down the line to underclassmen.

"I ask seniors to make it a mission to teach other students so they can pass it on. This ceremony does not happen at every school," Panagoulias said. "Appreciate it, and we'll pass it forward."