Lonnie Bear performs the Grass Dance as part of a pow wow held at E.C. Best Elementary School in this file photo.
Come learn about different cultural and engage the senses.
Churchill County Middle School is hosting its third annual International Night on Monday from 5:30-8 p.m.
Principal Scott Meihack and teacher Suzanne Lawrence have been working tirelessly to bring the event together.
When Meihack was principal at E. C. Best Elementary School, he said the school hosted a multicultural night for six or seven years.
“I think it’s important for students to learn about different cultures,” Meihack said. “These nights have something different for everyone.”
Lawrence said students from all grades are participating. The students were given a list of countries from which to choose their projects. She said some students are doing individual projects while others are in a group.
“The students will have a static display in the cafeteria at the middle school,” Lawrence said. “The research that they have completed may vary but we asked the students to not only look at their food and culture but also what a typical day or school day is for them.”
From 5:30-6:45 p.m. attendees will be in the cafeteria to view the students’ displays derived from their research. Lawrence said vendors will also sell food.
Lawrence said she contacted several local vendors to participate in the night and so far La Casita, Daily Grind, Maine St. Café and the Asian Market have confirmed. She said she hopes more vendors will sign up before Monday.
“I’ve traveled all around the world and find learning about different cultures fascinating,” Lawrence said. “I think it’s important for students to learn about different cultures as well. By them doing this project. maybe it will make them want to learn to speak another language or travel the world and learn about the countries first hand.”
She said students will be representing 17 countries with more than 60 students participating. There may be some parents who will be cooking to provide samples for their children’s projects.
When attendees enter the middle school, they will receive a passport that is numbered. and at the end of the night a random drawing will be held with themed prizes handed out.
“We want to make this a memorable night for the students and the parents,” Lawrence said. “We want everyone to leave having learned something new about a different country.”
At 6:45 p.m. the event will move from the cafeteria to the Pit in the administrative building until 8 p.m. There, Lawrence said, the learning will continue with American Indian dancers, high and middle school student dancers, basket weaving and much more.
“How do you know who you are today if you don’t know where you came from?” Meihack said. “This is a great opportunity for our students, their parents and for the vendors and people who will be providing the entertainment to learn more about cultures they know little to nothing about.”