North Hollywood High School (NHHS), is a place where students from all kinds of backgrounds come together, bringing with them unique cultures, traditions, and experiences. In a city like Los Angeles, which is known for its diversity, NHHS is a great example of how different cultures can live and learn side by side. The school’s diversity is not just about numbers or statistics—it’s about the people and how their different stories make the school what it is.
Looking at the demographics of NHHS, it’s clear how diverse the student body is. According to the latest data, the student demographics are as follows: 64% Latino, 18.5% White, 10.4% Asian, 2.8% African American, 1.1% Filipino, 0.1% American Indian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 2.1% Two or more races, and 1% Unreported. This diversity plays a big role in shaping the school’s culture and the way students interact with each other.
To get a better understanding of what diversity means, I spoke with some students who love celebrating their backgrounds and learning from others.
Elbethel Debel, an Ethiopian first-generation immigrant, has a deep pride in her culture. She’s the head of the Black Student Union and is passionate about bringing people together. “Africa is such a beautiful and rich continent with so much culture and history. I love how NHHS brings so many people from different backgrounds together,” she says. “Being Ethiopian is really important to me, but I also love how we all learn from each other’s cultures here. Diversity is about celebrating our differences and bringing us all together.”
Debel talks a lot about how diversity helps people connect. “When everyone can share their culture, we all grow,” she adds. “At NHHS, we understand and appreciate each other’s backgrounds, and that makes us stronger as a community.”
Mark Wong, who is half Dutch and half Asian, also values the diversity. “I’ve always been proud of both sides of my heritage, and at NHHS, I can share that with my friends. It’s cool to see how everyone brings something different to the table,” Wong says. “Diversity means learning from others and sharing your own story. It’s not just about being different—it’s about how we all grow from our differences.”
Wong’s mixed background gives him a unique perspective on diversity. “The more we talk about our traditions and cultures, the more we understand each other,” he explains. “It’s about connecting with people, no matter where they come from.”
Jennifer Garcia, who is Salvadoran, feels proud of her culture and loves how NHHS allows her to keep those traditions while learning about other cultures. “Being Salvadoran means a lot to me. My family values our traditions, like food and celebrations, and I feel like NHHS lets me hold on to that while also getting to know people from different backgrounds,” she says.
Cruz Pantaleon, a Mexican student, also appreciates the way diversity brings the school together. “Being Mexican is about family, hard work, and celebration,” Pantaleon says. “At NHHS, we don’t just respect each other’s cultures—we get to learn from them. That’s what makes our school so unique.”
Kelley Warburton, an Irish-American student, also shares his thoughts on diversity at NHHS. “Being Irish-American is a huge part of my identity. My family has always celebrated our heritage through storytelling, food, and music,” he says. “At NHHS, I get to share that part of my life with my friends, and I also get to learn about their traditions. It’s great because, through diversity, we all get a chance to see the world through different lenses.”
Warburton adds, “One thing I love about NHHS is how we don’t just focus on what makes us different, but we also highlight what connects us. It’s like we’re all part of one big family here, and that’s a special feeling.”
What stands out from these interviews is how much students appreciate the diversity around them. The school is a place where everyone feels comfortable being themselves, and they also learn about and respect the backgrounds of their peers. For students like Debel, Wong, Garcia, Pantaleon, and Warburton, diversity isn’t just something they tolerate—it’s something they celebrate and enjoy.
Diversity at NHHS makes the school feel more connected. Students don’t just learn from textbooks—they learn from each other. Whether it’s through clubs, events, or just chatting with friends, NHHS is a place where people from different backgrounds can share their stories and experiences. This helps students grow and prepares them for a world that is full of different perspectives.
North Hollywood High School’s diversity is not just about numbers; it’s about people. It’s about how students from different cultures come together and learn from each other. The experiences shared by students like Debel, Wong, Garcia, Pantaleon, and Warburton, show how diversity helps create a stronger, more connected school community. NHHS isn’t just about celebrating differences—it’s about making those differences the foundation for learning, growing, and building friendships.
