By: Sara Gilbert P’29,’26, Passport Series Co-Chair
Building on last year’s momentum, this year’s Passport Series “Tea Tasting from Around the World” provided a warm haven during the recent cold winter weather. The Olson Presentation Room was filled with flavors and smells from around the globe including Argentina, Australia, Hong Kong, India, Lebanon, Mexico, Nigeria, South Korea, Taiwan, USA, and Vietnam. Each station had a sampling of beverages and snacks for the attendees to try and to learn about authentic customs related to a tea culture brought forward from the participant’s background. The gathering provided opportunities to not only learn about other cultures but also to meet and mingle with other parents in a relaxed setting full of friendly faces. The Passport Series continues to provide a unique opportunity amongst the regional independent schools for parents to share in each other’s diverse and beautiful backgrounds.
Many thanks to all of our MICDS parent volunteers who came out to generously share their time and tea traditions with our community: Annie Sloane P’20, ’25, Debbie Hill P’32,’31,’28,’26, Claudia Ochoa-Espejo P’28, Yen Jan P’22, ’25, ’31, Nela Navarrine P’15, ’18, ’21, ’24, Sona and Vinay Kamat P’18, ’24, ’25, Lara Doumit P’25, ’27, Carla Shamsham P’25, ’26, ’28, Vivien Schlafly P’24, Bea Okohson-Reb P’26, Sara Gilbert P’29,’26, and Angela Adams P’27.
This event was chaired by Debbie Hill and supported by the Passport Series chairs, Sona Kamat and Sara Gilbert with huge support from our PA President, Annie Sloane, and VP of Parent Education, Lara Doumit along with, of course, VP of Communications, Trudie Davies P’26 & ’30.
Please mark your calendars for the next events hosted by the Passport Series Committee when we celebrate the Lunar New Year on February 9 and Black History Month on February 12. We look forward to seeing you all there and building community together!
