Students Globe-Trot at Scenic Hills Multicultural Event

The community enjoyed an interactive and educational event, in which several cultures' holiday celebrations were presented, at

Students and parents “traveled” to eight different countries without ever leaving school grounds during the elementary school's second Holidays Around the World event Friday, Dec. 9.

Students from ’s club, Respecting Ethnic and Cultural Heritage (REACH), each transformed an elementary school classroom into a colorful cultural experience.

Each club member researched and presented a different country’s music, food, art, garb and/or games. The eight countries represented were Pakistan, West Africa, Greece, India, Egypt, Spain, Japan and England.

“In each room we have games, crafts and dancing specific to that country, as well as what holiday they celebrate. We have the help of the REACH program students from the high school to share their cultures with the elementary kids,” said Tricia Gray, president of the Scenic Hills Home and School Association.

Scenic Hill students globe-trotted around the school and got their passports stamped for each country's room they visited.

The event was the result of an idea Gray discussed with Jen Bingaman, the association president, last year. The two of them put together a small committee and organized that first event.

“This year, we were able to put on a great event with the help of the high school REACH program,” Gray said.

Pat Naismith and her group of kids from high school did the rooms themselves, Gray said. Each had a craft, dancing, and snack from their respective countries.

“The kids did a fantastic job and a lot of hard work went in to their rooms, which was coordinated by Andrea Puppio and Christa Reynolds,” Gray said. “We also had a group of fantastic parents who helped tremendously.”

Parents involved include Maria Perkins, Shannon Aughe, Amy Maffei and Danielle Kuzmick.

“It’s a nice event, where we do not charge; it is rare these days to find a free event. The kids all enjoy it all while learning too. It wouldn’t have been possible without the help of our great Principal Dave Soslau,” Gray said.

View pictures of the event and a video of West African dancing above.