In a flurry of bright colors, tastes, and sounds, the MICDS community celebrated its diversity with its biennial International Expo on Friday, April 5.
Students, parents, teachers, and friends first gathered in Brauer Auditorium, where they awaited a beloved tradition: the Parade of Cultures! Students of all ages bearing flags from a variety of countries and wearing traditional cultural clothing entered the auditorium from the back, assembling on the stage for a brilliant display of our rich community. The audience was then treated to performances from around the world, including a Chinese Lion Dance by members of our US Lion Dance Club, the performance of Zambian and Serbian folk songs by our eighth-grade concert choir, a piano and vocal performance of a French ballad by Isabelle Cox-Garleanu ’26, a duet of a Nigerian praise song by Evita Okohson-Reb ’26 and Merit Okohson-Reb ’34 accompanied by Taylor Nuzum ’26 on piano, a Bollywood vocal performance by Amish Poojari ’25, Latin dance by Ashley Ordonez ’26 and Siboney Oviedo-Gray ’26, Irish step dancing by Carrie Clennan ’26, Kate Riley ’26, and Rowan Wright ’27, an Indian keyboard and vocal performance by Saivi Gadi ’25 and Soham Gadi ’29, Turkish folkloric dance by Arissa Alpaslan ’27 and Simera Balci ’28, and a Bollywood dance by Aanya Handa ’26, Shaan Patel ’26, Amey Parwal ’27, and Aparna Paturu ’26.
After the performances, everyone walked over to the McDonnell Gym, following a path lined by flags of many nations, where the Expo awaited. Long rows of tables adorned with decorations of cultural significance and laden with delicious food greeted guests. The tables were staffed by students and parents, all eager to share their information and customs. Guests wandered around, getting their passports stamped and learning about traditions and fun facts. Several enjoyed a henna application on their hands, while others posed for a photo with Argentinian soccer legend Lionel Messi (or his cardboard doppelganger). From empanadas from Argentina to Vegemite from Australia, Challah from Isreal to tea eggs from China, madeleines from France to falafel and shawarma from Palestine, and more, guests could taste their way around the world.
They were also entertained by two learn-to-dance sessions: a Bollywood lesson and an Irish step lesson, both taught by our talented students. An African dance troop accompanied by a thumping drum rounded out the entertainment.
Many thanks to Erin Hamill, Director of Global Learning, and Sarah Keen, Associate Director of Events, for their invaluable help in coordinating the International Expo. And of course, much gratitude for our wonderful performers and our Expo booth volunteers for their impressive displays and interesting facts. Your enthusiasm is inspiring, and encourages us all to celebrate and share our community’s cultural knowledge and diversity by embracing all with compassion, respect, and dignity.
Here are more great Expo photos from Annie Sloane, Parents Association President, Hamill, and other parents. Thank you for capturing this special event!
