MICDS International Expo

MICDS students, parents, faculty, staff and friends who happened to be in the Middle School building after school on Thursday, November 3 were treated to quick trip around the world, courtesy of the first ever MICDS International Expo, presented by the Student International Council and the Parents Association Cultures Within. The event honored and celebrated the growing cultural diversity of our School through a fun event designed for all ages.

The Expo was the result of months of planning and preparation of a dedicated group of MICDS parents and students, led by Expo Chairperson Victoria Wroten, assisted by co-chairs Nootan Pradhan and Angela Martin. World Languages Teacher and International Programs Director Erin Hamill was the Expo's faculty sponsor. They were joined by an army of dedicated volunteers -- 80 MICDS parents and 113 Upper and Middle School students lent their support to this fantastic event.

The festivities kicked-off with a rousing variety of International Expo performances in Mary Eliot Chapel by students, parents and a few special guests. Expo visitors were treated to an impressive display of dance performances representing a variety of cultural styles (Russian, Bollywood, tango and Bangladesh) and a classical Indian vocal. Performers from the International Shaolin Wushu Center wowed the audience with an amazing Kung Fu demonstration.

Expo guests then traveled the world by visiting 31 different international booths celebrating our various cultures. They learned about other cultures and traditions through educational displays, interactive activities, artifacts, cultural dress and food tastings. Students and guests were provided a passport valid for "a lifetime of worldwide learning," and were eligible to earn prizes by obtaining the answers to questions in each country visited.

"The excitement in the air was palpable as the children were traveling from country to country to stamp their passports. But, rather than quickly stamping and moving on, it was clear that they truly enjoyed learning about the cultures by talking with exhibitors, sampling delicious food, and participating in interactive acclivities. The Expo really brought everyone together and succeeded in its mission: to showcase, promote awareness of and celebrate our many cultures on campus," said Erin Hamill.

"From the performances of dances and martial arts from around the world to each country's booth, we were all simply dazzled by the beauty, information, tastes and smells," commented Head of School Lisa Lyle. "At each table there was so much to learn and experience."

"We all learned about the heritage of those whom we interact with every day, and I loved seeing the excitement and pride of the families and students as they shared information and treats from their home countries," she continued. "Coming to better appreciate the many Cultures Within MICDS better prepares us to eagerly engage with those beyond our campus, and to demonstrate compassion for all the world's people, as our mission demands. We all felt greater appreciation for our community as we traveled the world to experience more fully the global mosaic that is MICDS. I can't wait until next year!"

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• international
• expo
• culture
• diversity