Community Engagement through International Connections

On April 14, 2022, the Shorecrest community was enthralled by an incredible International Festival, organized by parents and volunteers from International Connection, a parent-led community group that celebrates and connects families who have a passion for multicultural enrichment. As Chargers celebrated the diversity of the community, families gave of themselves by hosting, decorating, cooking, and sharing information about the rich culture of their own households. 

This year’s International Festival brought smiles to all of our students, from age 3 to grade 12. Children came home with joyful stories of their “travels around the world.”

Entertainment was scheduled throughout the day including a DJ, Vietnamese singing, Kuumba Dance Co., Evgeniya a Ukrainian singer, and Shorecrest first and second grade Latin dancers.

Thank you to the Shorecrest community for the enormous work put in to create an amazing International Festival! This event would not have been possible without the dedication, energy and passion our families had to represent their 30+ countries and cultures. The excitement among students was palpable. . 

Thanks to every country that shared in this incredible experience:

Argentina (Martha), Australia (Geoff), Brazil (Joanna, Beatriz, Lu), Bulgaria (Savina, George), Canada (Snej), China (Amy, Kathy, Kevin, Li, Ling, May), Columbia (Rosalind), Czech Republic (Marcela, Simona), Finland (Tarja), France (Sandrine), Greece (Katie), Guyana (Sharon, Mike), Hong Kong (Shawn, Nicky), India (Aparna, Ashita, Chetna, Nidhi), Ireland (Amanda), Italy (Ilaria), Laos (Melody), Lebanon (Zeina & Yara), Norway (Annike, Hanna, Kamilla), Peru (Marita, Carolina, Cecilia, Lucia), Philippines (Camille), Poland (Annette, Vicky), Puerto Rico (Marianne), Russia (Gisa Bok Mollohan), Senegal (Sidy), Serbia (Snej), Sweden (Nina), Thailand (Annie, Nanthana), Turkey (Sebnem, Mine, Merve, Sibel), UK (Susi, Ian, Valerie, Donna), Ukraine (Kate), USA (Mary) and Vietnam (Thuy).

Thank you to every family who came to volunteer! Much gratitude to Thuy (Vietnam) for singing beautiful traditional Vietnamese songs, to Sra Emili Jaime-Allwood's remarkable first and second grade Latin dancers, and to Stephanie McCarthy for scheduling the Kuumba dancers and drummers.

Special thanks to the I.C. multi-talented team: Zeina and Sharon - who shared their valuable knowledge of the 2019 International Festival - Sebnem, Gisa, Mary, Savina, Snej and Melody who have been working non-stop, dedicating their time and resources to this event. Thank you to American volunteers, Ashley and Elizabeth. Thanks to I.C. predecessors Nuria Hahn and Paula Cooper, for reimagining a beloved Shorecrest tradition. Thank you International Connection Chair and Shorecrest volunteer parent, Susi Bean, who consistently has kind and encouraging words of motivation. Susi has stepped in to lead this passionate group that has brightened our campus community. 

Thank you to Roderick Fludd, Director of Diversity and Inclusion, who provided dependable support throughout the whole process. Thank you to the Shorecrest facilities team for setting up and breaking down Zeina's brilliant layout. Big thanks to Brad Miller for A/V and DJ (contributed by Sebnem) support throughout the substantial program (organized by Mary).

Please connect with International Connections at a meeting or social event. Start thinking about sharing your family’s heritage, culture, and experiences at next year’s fair!