BY ELINA LIN ’28
On March 11, Jericho High School hosted its biennial International Night, bringing together students and families alike to celebrate the various cultures within the community.
The event, featuring a variety of foods, festive decorations, and activities run by student volunteers, drew a large crowd and transformed the school into a vibrant cultural gathering. The occasion was organized into five main sections, each showcasing a different culture from our school community’s World Languages Department: Spanish, Chinese, French, and Italian, along with a booth run by Jericho United representing other global cultures.
International Night was set up by teachers, student volunteers, the Language Honor Societies, and Jericho United, who were a crucial part of its success. They contributed by bringing in food, setting up decorations, and interacting with guests throughout the night.
Each section was decorated for its respective culture, and had various foods and drinks available for purchase. Kimberley C. ’28 said, “I enjoyed the multicultural representation of the foods from everywhere around the world.”
The variety of options available also encouraged people to explore past their comfort zones. “I enjoyed mostly the Chinese food because of the familiarity,” said Kimberley, “but the one that struck me the most was the French pastries from French honor society with their original designs of a real French cafe, it was adorable!”
In addition to food, many stations had hands-on activities for students to try, fostering deeper engagement with various cultures. The Spanish booth featured a photo booth; the Chinese section had yo-yos, as well a calligraphy experience; and Jericho United offered henna, celebrating a traditional art form practiced across South Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa.
Events like International Night not only empower students to lead diverse cultural exchanges, but also allow students to interact with and develop perspectives different from their own. Vanshi R. ’28 said, “I think that events such as International Night are essential for school communities because you can gain access to different aspects of each other’s cultures, especially with how diverse Jericho’s community is.”
Overall, International Night was once again a success, bringing together the Jericho community in celebration of multiple cultures, all while expanding cultural appreciation and perspective.