International Night at the Ohrenberger School a Smashing Success

In an overwhelming show of community spirit, the hosted its annual International Night on Thursday. A crowd of more than 500 students, family, and teachers strolled through what looked like a grand bazaar of tables celebrating the diversity of the population of the school.

Beneath the giant projection of a video made by teacher Michael Gavin, in which every single Ohrenberger pupil spoke about what his or heritage meant to them, students carried passports, collecting stamps at each country, while they learned about history, art, and food from around the globe.

Started more than 10 years ago by teacher Haydee Yeskutis as a way to engage the non-English-speaking students of the school, it has grown from a very simple affair to the biggest nights of the year. Yeskutis said, “It just gets better and better. It gives families of all cultures and ethnicities the opportunity to get together and meet people from around the world.”

More than 20 countries were represented. At the Greece table, Despina Stavros was participating in her third International Night. This year, she said, she wanted to show not only how to speak some Greek phrases, but also the food, so she had laid out a selection of cheeses and olives. “I wanted the children to take away from this that in Greece, the cheese comes from goats and sheep, because they are so plentiful. And olive trees are everywhere, it’s the main source of income.”

Nearby, Rachael Acker hosted the Malaysia table. She was there, she said, to support her daughter’s school, because “It’s the right thing to do.”

The main attraction, though, was in the cafeteria, where parents had brought dishes celebrating their native countries and heritages. People lined up by the hundreds to sample Jamaican patties, Polish sausages, rice and beans, vegetarian chili, and many others. The huge numbers of people moved easily through the lines.

Said parent coordinator-volunteer Silvina Mizrahi, who helped organize the night, it all went smoothly because, “Everyone was willing to work as a team. It was most amazing to see so many people from different places. We are one school and all different. Everyone shines.”

West Roxbury City Councilor Matt O’Malley said he was at the school for the fifth time in four months, and that the Ohrenberger is a “school on the move.” He praised the leadership of Principal Eileen Nash and the dedicated teachers.

“I love to see the programs in action,” he said. “I’m impressed by the kids. The whole school is vibrant.” Ms. Nash added, “It’s another wonderful Ohrenberger family event. What makes it so special is that everybody participated to represent their heritages, to teach and learn from each other.”