The ELANCO Coordinated School Health Council at Garden Spot High School held its second Night Around the World multicultural event on May 23. The evening included a variety of games, demonstrations, displays, and foods from around the world. "(The idea of the event is to) bring the community together to share culture," said Julie Groft, who advises the health council. "We brainstormed and voted on ideas (for the event)."
Attendees were greeted by the flags of a number of different countries when they entered the school from the back entrance, along with the mingled aromas of foods representing more than 20 countries. Also in the hallway were prize tables, a table representing Germany, and virtual reality viewers.
At 6:30 p.m., individuals who have hosted exchange students gave a presentation in Room 332 that focused on their experiences. In the same location, following the first presentation, Dr. Edward Rajaseelan, head of the chemistry department at Millersville University, talked about life in Sri Lanka.
Games that were available in the gym included basketball and soccer, the latter of which is thought of as a distinctly British game, but with roots in China, Greece, Rome, and parts of Central America. In the cafeteria, members of the Alpenrose Schuhplattler from the Lancaster Liederkranz demonstrated dancing associated with Bavaria and the Austrian Tyrol, with origins that can be found as far back as the 11th century.
In the old gym, activities ranged from card games - Pennsylvania Dutch Blitz - to ping-pong, a game that has English, American, and Japanese origins. Octopus tag, a child's recess group game; La Cuerda, played with a jump rope; and hacky sack, a traditional Asian game, were offered in the old gym.
Foods that were available to taste at the event included butter cookies from Bosnia, beef broccoli and fried rice from China, empanadas from Colombia, and macarons from France. Germany was represented by bratwurst, German potato salad, and soft pretzels, and India was represented by chicken tikka masala. Shepherd's pie represented Ireland, and from Italy, a variety of pastas and tiramisu were served. Jerk chicken represented Jamaica, and green tea represented Japan. Salsa and chips and quinoa from Mexico were served, alongside Norwegian pancakes and Pennsylvania Dutch chow chow, shoefly pie, and whoopie pies. Poland was represented by pierogies and Puerto Rico by Spanish rice and beans. The country of Spain was also represented by Spanish rice. The Russian dish was korzinochki, sweet filled tartlets, and the South Korean dish was spicy soup. Swedish meatballs were served at the Swedish table, and falafel at the Syrian table. Thailand was represented by pad thai, a stir-fried rice noodle dish, and Uganda was represented by beef sauce and chapatis. The dish from Vietnam was banh mi thit nuong, a sandwich made with grilled pork.
This is the second Night Around the World the health council has held. The group has also conducted mini Relays For Life at the high school to benefit the American Cancer Society.
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