Costello Elementary Hosts First International Night

Costello Elementary Hosts First International Night: A newspaper article written by guest journalist Eric Olsen Stayerl, a 5th grader at Costello Elementary

Students, staff, and family were all invited to the first International Night at Costello Elementary School, that was hosted from 6:30 to 8:30 pm on Thursday, November 8, 2018. Participants got to learn about different countries and their cultures.

All of this was made possible by student, parent and community volunteers. The delegates worked tirelessly throughout the night to educate everyone in attendance. The people made native food, performed ethnic dances and wore native clothes. Naturally, people gathered in big groups to watch or listen to these amazing ideas!

This reporter asked all of the people at the tables the question, "What makes your country special?" The representatives all had something to say. Here are some examples:

• The delegate for Egypt claims, “Egypt’s pyramids and Sphinx shows that it is the longest lasting civilization that now exceeds over 7,000 years!”
• A member of the Indonesian table stated, “Lots of ethnic groups live there but are all united with one language.”
• “Did you know Slovakia is the center of Europe?” one delegate was overheard saying to a group of students gathered at her table.
• "The land is so beautiful!" explained the representative of Brazil, as I ate an amazing treat that melted in my mouth.
• The Bangladeshi table even had written numbers for you to attempt to copy. It was extremely hard, not like your average 1,2,3s.

This reporter watched an Ethiopian dance and realized Troy has so many unique cultures. The International night was a fun place to learn about countries and the fascinating people who inhabit them.

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Guest reporter Eric Olsen Stayer is a 5th grader at Costello Elementary School, who is interested in pursuing a career in journalism. Pictured here with me.

1. Slovakia Table: Dad Kris Pala showed off his family's Slovakian heritage with daughter Jacqueline and her friend Elizabeth Carson
2. Student Performers waiting to take the stage
3. Brazil Table: Students Daniel Bomfim & Lara Barragan (in green) with Rafael Rossini and Dad Dennis
4. Ethiopia Table: Proudly displayed by 4th grader Jenelle Davis
5. Iraq Table: Wael, Heba & Magdalena Jarbou
6. China Table: Li Yan, Cody Koontz, Tanner Koontz and Lei Koontz