International Week Culminates with Showcase of Global Connections at Gala and Bazaar

As participants took to the stage dancing, singing, and more, students and faculty gained a deeper appreciation for the diverse cultures represented in the Foxcroft community — with applause and cheers echoing out of FoxHound Auditorium past the Bazaar tables that filled the hallways and classrooms of Schoolhouse.

Once again this year, the Gala opened with an International Fashion Show, with participants reflecting the diverse countries and cultures from around the globe, including:

• Sonja D. ’28, representing India
• Ariana A. ’26, representing Mexico
• Dara O. ’29, representing Nigeria
• Jannate N. ’27 and Vivi D. ’26, representing Bangladesh
• Ryanna R. ’27, representing Trinidad and Tobago
• Monodia J-B. ’28 and Anais P. ’26, representing Haiti
• Atufah K. ’27 and Raqeeqah K. ’29, representing Saudi Arabia

Following the fashion show, our talented performers took the stage. The array of performances highlighted the countries and cultures represented in our community. Songs included:

• Treble Club’s Youki T. ’27 and Olivia M. ’27 performing a duet on violin and flute of “Elf” by Ado; 
• Elizabeth L. ’27 playing a Ukrainian folk song on the piano;
• Chorale singing the Swahili hymn “Hakuna Munga Kama Wewe”;
• Lucia H. ’27 playing “Pagodes” by Debussy on the piano;
• Sra. Sanchez singing the Spanish song “Un Ramito de Violetas” by Cecilia;
• Taitum M. ’29 performing the K-pop song “Divine” by Stray Kids;
• A steel drum performance by Ryanna R. ’27 and Chanel Hawkins of the East of the River SteelBand in Washington, DC;
• and a Polish folk song performed by Helenka C. ’26 (vocals) and Anneliese C. ’26 (Irish step dance).

Dance performances included choreographed numbers by:

• Lailani E. ’29 (K-pop dance); 
• Rhythm Nation (pop mix of “Stateside” and “Gameboy”); 
• Jannate N. ’27 (Bangladeshi folk dance);
• Group performance celebrating Anguilla by Zuri B. ’28, Dara O. ’29, and Sara T. ’27; 
• Clair W. ’28 and Youki T. ’27 dancing to “Looking Towards Beijing from the Grasslands,” a patriotic song in China; 
• and a popular dance from the Bollywood film Chennai Express called the “Lungi Dance,” performed by Sonja D. ’28, Dara O. ’29, Kaylah P. ’28, Sara T. ’27, and Clair W. ’28.

In addition, the world languages were represented through poetry recitation. A group of Latin students recited and reenacted “The Death of Caesar” with an English translation as well.

Well done to all those who performed! To watch video of the Gala performances, please click here. You can also get a glimpse of the Gala and International Week events in the latest student-produced vlog filmed by Mia D. ’26 and friends.

Immediately after the Gala, stations throughout Schoolhouse provided opportunities for deeper learning or to try something new! The Bazaar featured activities, presentations, and interactive displays such as henna and Chinese character writing, flag matching, Carnival flower crafts, bracelet making, Korean games, and more for students to explore — as well as an international snacks and sodas table!

Many thanks to all who contributed to this weeklong celebration of the diverse cultures in our community! Special shoutouts to the Global Cultures Club and International Ambassadors; to the performers and behind-the-scenes crew that presented the community with a fantastic Gala; to all the students who helped run Bazaar stations; to the family members and Parents’ Association who donated their time; to the faculty members who were integral to the planning of the week’s events; to the Dining Hall staff who prepared fantastic and flavorful menus, and to everyone who tried something different this week — be it a new food, dance, or a language — and embraced the unique opportunities to learn more about the international connections woven into the tapestry of the Foxcroft community.