For the first time in school history, Mills Pond Elementary hosted an International Night, and the results were fantastico!
The event, sponsored by the Mills Pond Elementary PTA and organized by PTA Co-President, Wan Ling Fahrer, celebrated the rich cultures and traditions of members of the school community. Over twenty countries were represented in the World Showcase and Cultural Talent and Fashion Show.
As attendees traveled the World Showcase, they learned about the different countries, did a craft or activity and immersed themselves in the culture. Student performers shined during the Cultural Talent and Fashion Show with performances of the Chinese yo-yo, Chinese devil sticks, Brazilian song, Hebrew song, Polish poem, Ukraine poem, Colombian dance, and Pakistan national anthem. Parents introduced their child dressed in attire native to their country and shared information about the outfits during the Cultural Fashion Show.
There were outside organizations who shared their talents and culture that evening. Musician and author, Johnny Cuomo, performed an interactive multicultural music performance and reading of his book, Katy Didn’t. The Stony Brook Chinese School Dancers performed two traditional Chinese dances in traditional clothing. Author and Illustrator, Qing Zhuang, did a reading of her book, Rainbow Shopping, based off of her childhood as a first generation immigrant. Qing Zhuang also conducted an art workshop station printing with vegetables. Bollywood Dancers dazzled the audience wearing traditional Indian dresses. Musician, Glenn Tomassi, beautifully played Venezuelan song on the flute and saxophone. East Coast Karate Studio had its karate students demonstrate different karate moves and invited attendees to join them. An exciting performance by Ryu Shu Taiko: Drums of Japan closed out the event.
There were also food trucks, which provided delicious ethnic cuisines and kids earned a free ice cream cone from the PTA when they received a stamp from visiting each country in their passport.
This event would not have been possible without the support of principal, Ireen Westrack, music teacher, Stephanie Messana and the Custodial crew.
More than two hundred people attended last night's event!
