San Ramon Youngsters Celebrate International Night

International Night, a night of many cultures and traditions, filled with food and dance, was a success at in San Ramon Friday night. 

About 200 families and community members braved the cold weather to learn more about countries of the world.  Second grade parent, Patti Cellucci, organized the celebration of all the heritages represented within our community.

Fifth grader Madison Quan and her first grade brother, Carter, organized a booth about China. Carter made and handed out Chinese words to those who stopped by his booth. Madison participated because, “I thought it would be fun.”

With help from their parents, Carter and Madison shared Chinese food like potstickers, fortune cookies, and noodles with those who visited their booth to get their “passports” stamped. Of course, they also bestowed those treasured red envelopes, a part of Chinese New Year.

One San Ramon resident, Tom Hansen commented, “There is a variety of cuisine here and it’s a wonderful educational experience.”

At the booth about Ireland, Paula and Jim English shared Irish Soda Bread and Irish tea.

“Nobody was representing Ireland, and I wanted to share my culture.” Paula said.

Several families from the Phillipines joined together to make a booth including lumpia, noodles, and chicken adobo. Second graders from the Phillipines performed  the “Tinikling Dance,” which is about a tikling bird. The girls practiced for several weeks before taking the stage in front of the audience Friday.

Walt Disney Elementary School principal, Curtis Haar noted, “It’s important for us all to recognize diversity around us. We’re all Americans yet come from diverse backgrounds.”

Countries represented included Australia, Germany, Pakistan, Lebanon, Korea, and India. All booths had posters highlighting important cultural facts and maps.  Some also had crafts and all had delectable food from their country of origin.

One of the most amazing aspects of the evening was seeing members of the community in attendance who normally shy away from school or community wide events, feeling like they might not fit in.

At an event such as International Night, all community members have the ability to share their culture and teachers others about parts of their heritage.