A Gala and Bazaar with a Little Something for Everyone

Among the performers and presenters, there was a clear sense of pride in sharing an authentic part of their culture with the Foxcroft community. The members of Chorale opened the Gala with a rendition of  “We Are One” by One Voice Children’s Choir. Additional songs representing China, Italy, India, Spain, Germany, and the United States were performed by Emily W. ’23 and Lynn Z. ’23, Oli W. ’23, Sneha K. ’23, Katelyn S. ’24, Fania M. ’23 and Lucie J. ’23, and Ella S-C. ’22 and Marlow B. ’22, respectively. Amazing choreography and footwork were featured in dances by Fania, Oli, Vassiliki M. ’23, Helen V. ’23, and Inés L. ’23 (traditional Greek dance), Hailey Y. ’25 (K-Pop), Maddie C. ’22 (Irish step dancing), Khujusta N. ’24 and Farah A-M. ’23 (traditional Afghan dance), and the members of Rhythm Nation (K-Pop). Two informative presentations highlighted the Novruz Holiday in Azerbaijan (by Leyla A. ’23) and the significance of the Japanese paper crane (by Manabi K. ’25).

Immediately following the Gala, stations throughout Schoolhouse provided opportunities for deeper learning. Manabi hosted those interested in making paper cranes or other origami artworks in the Art Studio, where students could also make Moroccan bowls. For anyone interested in Irish step dancing, Maddie gave a tutorial in fast footwork. Spanish Club hosted an exhibit on Disney’s Encanto and another exhibit looked at global fashion. Students could learn a bit of Greek and Hebrew down in the Innovation Lab or test their tolerance for spicy foods in the Spicy Foods Challenge. There was a little bit of something for everyone, representing a wide variety of countries and cultures.

Earlier in the day, the Friday menu for International Week featured Afghan and West African foods at lunch and Indian treats (Cashew fudge, Gulab Jamun, and Garar Ka Halwa, or carrot pudding) at the Morning Meeting Pop-Up Shop, provided by Johanna B. ’23 and her mom, Maya.

Many thanks to all those who contributed to this weeklong celebration of the diverse cultures in our community. Special shoutouts go to the leadership of Global Cultures Club — Co-Heads Chelsie E. ’22 and Elizabeth S. ’22 and Assistant Heads Lexi H. ’23 and Mimi W. ’24; to Gala emcees Ella S-C. ’22 and Marlow B. ’22; to faculty members Dr. Anne Mueller, Kate Tomaskovic, Katie Thompson, Vilma Riestra, and Jackie Washam; to Jill Attanasio and the entire Dining Hall staff; and to everyone who tried something new this week — be it a food or a dance or a language — and embraced the unique opportunity to learn more about the international connections woven into the tapestry of the Foxcroft community.