Families and friends from West Northfield School District 31 traveled around the world last Friday without having to step foot outside of the school.
The Parent Teacher Club from the district held the annual “Taste of District 31 Festival” on Friday, May 9th at Winkelman Elementary in Glenview.
“This night is about celebrating the diversity in the district and acts as a means to teach acceptance of other cultures,” said Maria Kotsinis, co-chair for the event.
Find out what's happening in Glenviewwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Guests enjoyed picking up passports and visiting tables that showcased traditional decorations and cuisines from ten countries around the world. Volunteers served cultural food that represented China, Finland, Greece, India, Israel, Italy, Mexico, Serbia, South Korea, and the United States.
Jack Chen, a sixth-grader at Field Middle School, volunteered to be a server for the China table. With the help of his family, he passed out fried rice, dumplings, almond tofu, baked sweet potatoes, and chicken and vegetable gaozi.
Find out what's happening in Glenviewwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
“The whole night is a really fun experience, but the food is definitely my favorite part--not just from China, but from everywhere,” Chen said.
Following the food-tasting, guests were entertained with a “Parade of Nations.” Students and staff members dressed up in their ethnic clothing and paraded throughout the school to share their cultures with everyone.
The night concluded with performances of different dances, songs, and talents from eight countries. Students representing Israel, India, China, Mexico, Finland, Serbia, Greece, and South Korea showcased their individual country’s traditions on stage for all to see.
Guests left the event with smiles on their faces, illustrating that the evening was a perfect way of bringing together and celebrating the variety of cultures that thrive at District 31.
