Millbrook’s annual international fair was held this past week on April 15th and 16th during second period. The international fair is an event where different groups and clubs at Millbrook come together to share their culture and countries. In the main gym, stands are set up for each club and students are able to walk around, learn about cultures, and participate in different activities that each table provides.
The first booth at the fair was run by the Spanish Honors Society. At this stand, tissue paper and pipe cleaners were supplied for students to make paper flowers. This was one of the busy tables at the fair as many students enjoyed the process of making the flowers and being able to display them to other students.
Next to the Spanish Honors Society booth was the Kpop club. Their booth displayed many different boards with different Kpop members on them. Additionally, they had games like trivia where Millbrook students could learn more about Kpop.
After that, the Chinese Club booth was next. It displayed many different Chinese cultural games for students to play. In addition, they played music and taught students about Chinese culture. This club invites all students to participate and shows that everyone is welcome.
The Arab Student Union booth was also at the fair and had drums that students could play with as well as gave students the opportunity to dance and learn more about Arab culture.
“The Arab Student Union is extremely important because it shows the truth of Arab Culture in a world that often misrepresents it,” says senior Julia Alawak. “It also brings Arab students together so we can celebrate our rich culture, share it with others, and take pride in who we are.”
Next up was the Hispanic culture club, which was set in the middle of the gym. This booth displayed many different types of Hispanic culture art that students were able to look at. In addition, they played Hispanic cultural music for students and staff to dance too. As for food, the club was giving out Horchata, which is a sweet, creamy Hispanic drink with hints of cinnamon and vanilla.
Right by the Hispanic Culture Club was the French Honors Society booth. This area was a butterfly garden themed and included many different activities. Students were able to color in a butterfly for jellybeans.
“This festival is important for the school to have every year because it spreads cultural awareness and showcases the diverse cultures that exist here at Millbrook,” says senior Lila Needham. “French honors society is important because it educates students on French culture and lesser-known parts of it!”
Right by the French Honors Society booth was the Black Student Union’s booth. The club gave out different foods like meatballs, funnel cakes, and capri suns. There was also a jump rope that students and teachers could play with during the fair. This was another busy booth at the fair as many students enjoyed the snacks and games.
Next at the festival was the Asian American Student Association booth. At this booth, they gave out different kinds of Asian foods, like fried rice, for students and teachers to eat. In addition, they had a cultural Asian game that people could play and win candy as a prize. People are taught many things about different Asian cultures through this club.
Next to the AASU booth was the African Student Association booth. Playing music from different African countries, the booth was surrounded by people dancing and singing. Students were able to learn more about African culture at this booth and were also given snacks and drinks.
The next club at the fair was the Culture Club. At this booth, students were able to play different games, like language trivia, and were given different drinks and foods from many different cultures. This stand allowed students to be able to learn how we are all connected through culture and learn new facts about different cultures.
The final club at the fair is the Star Divine Diamonds club. At this booth, they played a Jeopardy game that highlighted the accomplishments of many Black women in history. You could also write affirmations and put them on a board that others could read. They also gave out different snacks and stickers for students to get once they play the game.
Overall, the International Festival was a great experience for many students. People are able to learn about new cultures, eat different kinds of foods, and dance with their friends. This tradition is important to represent all the different cultures at Millbrook High School and will hopefully last for many years to come.
