District 157-C "Holidays Around the World" enjoyed by families

Various languages, culture and holiday traditions from across the globe were highlighted recently at the District 157-C “Holidays Around the World” event. This fourth annual celebration was hosted by the Family School Partnership (FSP) and was a huge success. It was free to all 157-C pre-kindergarten through eighth grade students and their families.

Fifteen countries were represented by students and their families through presentations about their holiday traditions, ethnic backgrounds and culture. These families shared a wealth of information from their respective countries that included France, Pakistan, Austria, Greece, Palestine, China, Mexico, Ireland, Philippines, Taiwan, Poland, Austria, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Puerto Rico, Sweden and Switzerland. Children and their parents traveled to each presentation table, enjoyed learning about the various countries and traditions and then had their passports stamped. Menus and information about several ethnic restaurants in Frankfort were also provided as a separate display.

The first 50 students in attendance from each school received a gift and all students were entered into a raffle to win their school’s gift basket valued at more than $100. They also enjoyed free hot chocolate and popcorn. Pizza by Villa Rosa was available for purchase. The Hickory Creek Middle School Choir performed for the many families in attendance. Everyone was invited to support our troops by taking a moment to write them a postcard coordinated through the Lincoln-Way High School ROTC.

Also represented were Lincoln-Way East High School, Frankfort Library, Frankfort Area Historical Society, Frankfort Park District, Language Stars, Lincoln-Way International Club/Foreign Language and the FSP. Donations to support this event were received from the Museum of Science & Industry, Frankfort Aurelio’s, Quinlan & Fabish Publishing, Action Sports, Butter-Up, Villa Rosa, the Clark Family, the McGuire Family and the Oliver Family.

The FSP Chairperson for this program was Kris McGuire. She extended special thanks to the family members who put together the displays highlighting their countries. She also expressed appreciation to the many volunteers that made the event a success. These included 157-C administrators, teachers, parents, students, Lincoln-Way East High School students, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and the Hickory Creek eighth grade Student Council members.