In a time when international unrest rules the headlines, Bridgeport High School students demonstrated the beauty of diversity at the Third Annual International Fair, held in the BHS Cafeteria on Tuesday, November 17.  BHS French and Spanish Clubs sponsored the fair, which included interactive demonstrations from international students attending the school. 

 

Participants were welcomed with an international feast spreading the length of the cafeteria, with foods representing dozens of countries.  During the dinner, visitors were treated to the talents of Graciela Barreto, whose beautiful voice enchanted the audience.  Barreto, originally from Venezuela, teaches Spanish at South Harrison

High School and shared some of her countries traditions as well.

 

After sampling the foods, attendees were given “passports” to ensure they visited each of the sessions. The presentations varied greatly, with students dressed in traditional garb teaching games and music from their various countries.   “Students were surprised that there were so many international companies in West Virginia,” said coordinator Jenny Santilli.  “The protocol they learn in activities such as this can be vital to their future careers, even if they stay in state.” 

 

Dea Garrett, Alicia Kidd, Alicia Kinsey, Jane Byrd and Kristina Robinson helped organize the event, giving the students the opportunity to share their traditions with local citizens.   Students were also on hand to sell fair-trade products from Guatemala to raise money for a trip to Spain and Morocco in the Spring.

 

Madewa Adeniyi, whose lineage is linked with Nigeria, demonstrated how water is carried on the heads of women in that country.  She also played various traditional instruments used by the natives of Nigeria.  “This has been a wonderful experience to be able to share traditions from Nigeria with the students and parents of BHS,” said Adeniyi.

 

Over 150 people attended the event, which included displays from Italy, Czech Repulic, Japan, Mexico, and Haiti.  There was also an educational booth on Islam and informational booths on careers around the world.  BHS dance students led participants in international dances and some of the attendees played games common to the countries.

 

“Overall, I am very pleased with the turnout,” said Santili.  “This gave us the opportunity to find similarities among the different countries, allowed students to interact in a positive environment and encouraged the celebration of diversity.”