Now in its fourth year, the Bridgeport High School International Fair, held Thurs., Nov. 17 at BHS, was bigger than ever.  Held annually, students represented 13 countries through informational booths, foods and activities.

 

“When we started the International Fair, we wanted to give students the opportunity to immerse themselves in cultures from around the world,” said Dr. Jenny Santilli.  “It has grown each year and now nearly 200 students, families and community members join us to celebrate diversity and traditions from all parts of the globe.”

 

When students arrived Thursday, they each received “passports,” which were stamped as they visited the different booths and activities. This year, with so many foreign exchange students, the fair included France, Belgium, Germany, Japan, Sweden, Italy. Barcelona, Sevilla, Nigeria, Venezuela, Grenada, Slovakia and an informational booth on Islam and the characteristics of Muslims.

 

Food was prepared to represent the different countries and all enjoyed a multicultural feast before enjoying dancing, games and the Heart of the Sky Fair Trade booth, where they bought handmade crafts from Guatemala. 

 

BHS Teachers Alicia Kidd, Dea Garrett, Alicia Kinsey, and Dr. Jenny Santilli worked with the French and Spanish students to organize the event and ensure that students understood that cultures around the world have many similarities and some very interesting differences. 

 

“One thing that surprises the students each year is how many cultures and international influences we have right here in West Virginia,” said Santilli.

 

The event allowed the exchange students an opportunity to honor their home countries and showcased unique traditions for each one.  “It gave local families a way to share in their customs for an evening, tasting their foods and hearing first-hand stories about what it is like to live in places other than America,” said Santilli.

 

Photos by Julie Perine. See more images from Thursday's International Fair HERE.