Cultural diversity was on the menu when Putnam/Northern Westchester BOCES’ Fox Meadow Middle and High School hosted its first International Day Luncheon on May 5, 2014.
The event featured international cuisine, a display of student-made posters celebrating learning new languages, and a poetry/short-story reading, featuring work by authors and famous figures from various ethnic backgrounds, including Frank McCourt, Nelson Mandela and Miguel Cervantes. Many of the readings focused on speaking up for one’s beliefs and changing the world through one’s actions.
Fox Meadow students have explored diversity and international cultures in their English, social studies, math and art classes. In math class, students learned about notable mathematicians from around the globe, while in art class, they created flags representing their ethnicities.
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Students were also recognized with achievement and attendance awards, as well as certificates for random acts of kindness.
Following the oral presentations and awards, a luncheon prepared by teachers, parents and students was enjoyed by all. Dishes reflected the cuisines of many countries, including Ireland, Greece, Italy and Portugal.
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Trey Rivale, a sophomore from Elmsford, said that the food was “awesome” and that he thought it was “cool to bring together different people from different places.”
Senior Jezelle Travis of Ossining commented that “it was nice to celebrate different cultures,” adding that the food was “the best part.”
Stacey Chiarella, an English teacher at Fox Meadow and one of the event’s organizers, said, “The students and staff at Fox Meadow are such an incredible mixture of many different heritages. It is our hope that an event like this will bring forth a better appreciation and perspective for all the nationalities we represent.”
