The world’s cultures collided in a beautiful display at the Hicksville High School gym Friday, April 17 during the school’s annual International Night. Hosted by the Interact Club, the event highlights different cultures through food, performances, games and display boards.
“I think it’s important for people to appreciate other cultures,” said Carol Kaplan, head of the Interact Club. “Hicksville is such a multicultural community and every culture has something great to offer.”
Event attendees looked at tri-fold boards displaying educational information about different cities around the world, and played games. There was also a face-painting station. For many, the highlight of the event was the food. There was no shortage of delicious international fare, including noodles, samosas, pretzels and more.
Kara Noezzeo attended the event because she enjoys learning about other cultures.
“I thought it would be nice to be here with all these other cultures,” Noezzeo said. “The world is so diverse. There’s so many different things going on at once. It’s amazing. All the cultures are amazingly unique.”
Several students performed at the event. There were several singers, including Savannah Herrschaft, who sang “Unraveled” by the Japanese band TK.
“I decided to get involved with Japan and the culture because of friends overseas,” Herrschaft said. “I love how everyone here can embrace their own culture and be themselves. It’s a beautiful thing.”
Amira Hassan and Rachel Dobkin teamed up to perform a Bangladeshi dance.
“People keep asking me about Bangladeshi culture and I thought, why not put on a performance,” said Hassan, whose family is from Bangladesh. “I find the dancing really beautiful. It has such graceful movements.”
Dobkin accompanied her friend for the dance, which she said was fun.
“I really enjoyed dancing,” Dobkin said. “I’ve never done anything like this. American songs are usually three minutes and this was five, and this had more complicated movements. But it was so graceful and they put so much effort into making the dances different.”
All the money raised from the event went towards Doctors Without Borders.
