Tinley Park HS Hosts International Festival

The 7^th International Festival at Tinley Park High School proved once again that Tinley Park students and staff members are a united community that knows how to have a good time while learning the world around us.  The festival featured ethnic foods from Poland, Nigeria, Albania, France, Jordan, Palestine, Germany, Mexico, Greece, Ireland, Sweden and India.  Some of the dishes included jambalaya, fried plantains, arroz con leche and baklava.   

The dance performances included the Baile Folklorico from Mexico, Debka from the Arab Nations, a Samba from Brazil, African American Steppers (performed by the Bremen High School Diversity Club), Valle Shqiptare: Shota, Pajdushka from Albania, Polish Folk Dancing, a Tinikling Dance from the Philippines, a Mexican compilation of Tango, Bachata, Cumbia, Zapatiado, and Salsa, and a traditional U.S. Poms Dance routine. Tinley Park High School student dancers included: Rocio Flores, Daisy Flores, Crystal Gonzalez, Patricia Santillan, Elizabeth Santillan, Wendy Jimenez, Lameese Hassen, Rhonda Hassen, Haneen Masoud, Amani Nimer, Enas Suleiman, Rebecca Klee, Brandon Williams, Jason Griffin, Brandon Evans, Daniel Bahena-Murillo, Hannah Giwa, Charlene Ilagan, Anne , Rhonale Terrell, Natalia JohnsonRocio Flores, Daisy Flores, David Arauz, Rafael Pesina, Adrian Alvarado, Crystal Gonzalez, Danny Rivera, Marielisa Avalos, Marram Salman,  Charlene Ilagan, Tiffany Caraos, Leanne Fortu, Alex Glino,  Eroll Macalindong, Dan Pascual,  Danielle Pascual,  Erika Rafael, Tichina Tam, and teacher Ms. Selime Baftiri-Ballazhi. 

In addition to the food and dancing, there were several singing performances by students Vicki Beck and Magaly Degollado and teacher Ms. Kathy King.  The night was an astounding success which left students, their families, staff members, and others from the community in awe of the vast amount of culture housed at this one small Tinley Park school!