(photos by John Gregory)
A vast array of culture
A full house was on hand at Ellen Browning Scripps Elementary School (EBS) for the school’s second annual International Night, held this year on Jan. 31. An estimated 200 attendees packed a multi-purpose room on the school’s campus to sample food and learn about the cultures presented at tables representing 15 different countries. Parents of EBS students provided the displays and staffed the tables.
School Principal Liz Sloan stood in the middle of the growing crowd, proudly viewing the activities as guests continued to arrive on this wet and rainy evening. The soggy weather did nothing to dampen the spirits of those in the room, which was filled with smiles and pleasant chatter.
Those responsible for chairing this event included Gail Faber, president of the EBS Academic Fundraising Partnership; Arwa Saif; Raquel Frutos; and Vann Tran.
A large number of the students and parents in attendance were adorned in colorful international garb as the aroma of delicious food wafted through the room.
A handful of performers, including vivid dragon dancers, entertained the crowd, some dancing on stage and around the room.
The International Night began in 2018 as a way to highlight the numerous backgrounds of students attending EBS, and to promote understanding of other cultures.
“A parent came to me a year ago and asked for an International Night because there are so many different cultures at EBS,” Faber said.
