OMEGA Hosts a Vibrant Fall Potluck Celebrating Diversity and Community

Earlier this fall, the Thayer community gathered for a potluck dinner hosted by OMEGA, an alliance group that is dedicated to celebrating diversity and fostering conversations about social justice. The bi-annual dinner always promises good food, engaging activities, and a spirit of inclusivity. The gathering is a cornerstone of the club’s mission, creating a space for connection, celebration, and learning, and is open to all community members.

This year’s potluck, held in late October and organized by OMEGA Co-presidents Eliana Soares ’26 and Gabriella Monteiro ’25, brought fresh energy to the evening with creative activities designed to deepen connections. As guests arrived, they were welcomed with craft stations, informational cards about Dia de los Muertos and Diwali, and bingo cards to break the ice. 

Faculty advisor Iliana Correa praised the event’s turnout and the thoughtful contributions from both students and parents. “A highlight of the night was the OMEGA board leading everyone through a reflection activity, asking them to write one word that comes to mind when they hear the word diversity,” Correa shared. “Seeing everyone’s post-it notes come together on a collage was truly powerful.”

The event featured a mix of catered dishes from local Caribbean restaurant Flames and homemade contributions from families, creating a spread that celebrated Thayer’s rich cultural tapestry. For the first time, reusable containers were provided for leftovers, a sustainability effort suggested by an OMEGA board member that aligns with Thayer’s mission to promote environmental responsibility.

In addition to enjoying the diverse food offerings, attendees participated in “musical conversations,” an interactive activity where music guided them to new partners for meaningful one-on-one discussions. The evening concluded with rounds of bingo, where winners received gift baskets filled with products representing Thayer’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) clubs and local businesses.

OMEGA meets regularly, engaging in discussions about social justice, organizing events, and participating in community service projects. The next potluck is planned for the spring, promising another opportunity to celebrate the many cultures and voices that make Thayer Academy a uniquely welcoming community.