PHOTOS: Julian Curtiss School’s Parade of Nations Shines a Spotlight on All the Children of the World

Thursday was a beautiful, sunny and warm day for the Julian Curtiss School’s 35th annual Parade of Nations. All the students participated in the parade and there was a large turnout of town officials and JC families to applaud.

The school, located in downtown Greenwich, was built in 1946 and recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of Phase 3 of its multi-phase renovation that preserves the history and character of the building while making the school ADA compliant and accessible.

Principal Eduardo Calderón, now in his third year as principal, talked about what makes the school special.

He said that at Julian Curtiss, the world comes together every day in the languages spoken, traditions honored and friendships built.

Julian Curtiss School Parade of Nations. Oct 22, 2026. Photo: Leslie Yager

“Our differences give us the opportunity to learn from one another, and our shared experiences remind us of how connected we really are,” principal Calderón said. “The United Nations describe UN Day as a symbol of hope for global unity.”

He said students at JC bring hope to life by welcoming their new classmates, respecting one another’s differences, and learning about each others backgrounds and traditions.

Mr. Calderón said it was important for everyone at the school to feel a sense of belonging.

In the Parade of Nations, students proudly carried flags and wore clothing that reflected their family’s culture and history.

“Behind every flag is a story, and behind every scholar is a family whose story belongs in our community. We embrace our stories and appreciate the diversity that shapes who we are, reminding us that every scholar brings something unique and valuable to Julian Curtiss.”

Calderon explained that he was wearing a suit and tie representing nations around the world, along with a hat called “la puava,” a traditional Puerto Rican straw hat woven from palm leaves.

“Together they reflect something we celebrate today: pride in our own heritage and a connection to the wider world,” he said. “As we watch our scholars march and admire their attire, let us celebrate the many cultures, traditions and family stories that make JC special.”

“At JC, we are many nations. We are many languages. We are many cultures. We are many backgrounds. But we are one JC family. Let the parade begin!”

Julian Curtiss School Parade of Nations. Oct 22, 2026. Photo: Leslie Yager

Julian Curtiss School Parade of Nations. Oct 22, 2026. Photo: Leslie Yager

Julian Curtiss School Parade of Nations. Oct 22, 2026. Photo: Leslie Yager

Greenwich Public Schools administration showed up in force for the Julian Curtiss School Parade of Nations. Oct 22, 2026. Photo: Leslie Yager

Special dance performance, “Peach Blossoms Smile” by JC third grader Vivienne Liu at the Julian Curtiss School Parade of Nations. Oct 22, 2026. Photo: Leslie Yager

Julian Curtiss School Parade of Nations. Oct 22, 2026. Photo: Leslie Yager

Principal Eduardo Calderón at Julian Curtiss School’s annual Parade of Nations. Oct 22, 2026. Photo: Leslie Yager

JC building committee chair David Levine, First Selectman Fred Camillo and BOE member Jonathan Katz at the Julian Curtiss School Parade of Nations. Oct 22, 2026. Photo: Leslie Yager

Former Principal Trish McGuire and State Rep Steve Meskers (D-150) at the Julian Curtiss School Parade of Nations. Oct 22, 2026. Photo: Leslie Yager

Julian Curtiss School Parade of Nations. Oct 22, 2026. Photo: Leslie Yager

State Rep Hector Arzeno (D-151), Selectwoman Lauren Rabin and school board member Veronica Chiavaroli at the Julian Curtiss School Parade of Nations. Oct 22, 2026. Photo: Leslie Yager

Julian Curtiss School Parade of Nations. Oct 22, 2026. Photo: Leslie Yager

Virginia Miltner and Lisa Maniscalco at the Julian Curtiss School Parade of Nations. Oct 22, 2026. Photo: Leslie Yager

Arlene Laccetti and Anna Ripegno at the Julian Curtiss School Parade of Nations. Oct 22, 2026. Photo: Leslie Yager

Julian Curtiss School Parade of Nations. Oct 22, 2026. Photo: Leslie Yager

Julian Curtiss School Parade of Nations. Oct 22, 2026. Photo: Leslie Yager

Selectwoman Rachel Khanna, BOE acting chair Sophie Koven and Jill Oberlander at the Julian Curtiss School Parade of Nations. Oct 22, 2026. Photo: Leslie Yager