Hoboken’s Wallace School Celebrates Cultural Diversity

HOBOKEN, NJ — Sometimes the best way to experience a different culture is through some good eats. With this in mind, Hoboken’s Wallace School recently paid homage to its cultural diversity by hosting an “International Night.”

Held in the school gym and organized by the Wallace PTO, more than 120 attendees went on a tour of the world – experiencing the school community's diverse cultures and traditions through sounds, tasty bites, entertainment and activities.

The event included dishes from more than 40 countries across the globe, such as: Africa, China, Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, Philippines, India, Australia, Belgium, Netherlands, England, Scotland, Ireland, Greece, Turkey, Israel, Lebanon, Italy, Bulgaria, Russia, Hungary, Romania, Poland, France, Spain, Portugal Germany, Canada, USA, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Brazil, Peru, Chile, Colombia, Venezuela and Guyana.

Event attendees were also treated to singing performances from the Wallace Glee Club and Hoboken High School, Bhangra and Bollywood Dance by NYC Bhangra, Hip Hop by Studio L, Irish Step Dance by Garden Street Music and the Salsa by Diego Mesa of Athena Dance USA.

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Organizers Ruchika Grover, Sophie Gelin and Kate McQuestin said the event was a fantastic celebration of Wallace School’s wonderful cultural diversity and inclusive community.

“When I moved to Hoboken from Belgium with my family, I was drawn to the community’s people, welcoming nature and town’s atmosphere,” Gelin said. “I believe you learn about diversity by being a part of a diverse community and I am delighted we were able to showcase this at Wallace’s International Night.”

“As a first generation Asian-Indian, Wallace’s fantastic diversity on show at the event is a great reflection of what I’ve always wanted for my children – love and appreciate the different cultures around us, but find commonality in the values we share,” Grover said.

“As an Australian family who moved to Hoboken this year, I will be forever thankful for how Wallace School welcomed us to its community and included my children,” McQuestin said.

To coincide with the event, a Wallace School cookbook was also launched that features a selection of nearly 100 loved family recipes from across the community - many of which have been passed down from one generation to the next and all tell a story about Wallace School community’s unique food heritage.

Proceeds from the book's sale will go to the Wallace PTO, organizers said. To purchase a copy of the cookbook, email wallaceschoolpto@gmail.com.

Local Hoboken restaurants and supermarkets also supported the event by donating dishes and food for the event. They included ACME, Trader Joe’s, Anthony David's, BIN 14, Frankie & Ava's Italian Eatery, Giorgio's Italian & French Pastry Shop, Karma Kafe, Keming Chinese, Yeung II Sushi Asian Cuisine, Miam Miam Empanadas and Bangkok City Thai Restaurant.

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Photos: Ted Green