Stevenson students showcase diversity at World's Fair
The 4,000 students at Stevenson High School come from a diverse array of cultural heritages and traditions from around the globe.
SHS World's Fair, an annual two-day event hosted by the student Diversity Council, is Stevenson's celebration of the countries, cultures, arts and cuisines of these students.
World's Fair 2016 will take place Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 30-31, in the commons areas of the SHS West Building. Admission is free. Families and children are invited to attend this cultural experience. Visitors should park in Lot B, enter at the "Point" entrance and come hungry.
Student-led booths featuring cultural displays and culinary delicacies are open both days from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event culminates both days with a student cultural performance showcase at 3 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center.
On Saturday, the cultural showcase will kick off with a professional group led by Chicago-based saxophonist Jeff Chan that combines traditional Korean drumming and jazz improvisation.
Diversity Council sponsor Greg Diethrich stated, "The goal of the SHS World's Fair is to increase understanding and respect of cultures from around the world. The event celebrates the great diversity that makes up the Stevenson community."
World's Fair offers a chance for Stevenson students to showcase the country of their heritage or a culture in which they have an interest. Students creatively produce elaborate booths representing various countries and cultures from around the world.
The booth exhibits may include art, artifacts, videos, clothing and, in particular, food. Cultural cuisines are a special attraction of World's Fair, with students and their families preparing delicacies from around the globe. Visitors may purchase tickets for 50 cents each to purchase food at the booths.
Each day then closes with student groups performing music, dance and other performing arts from their cultures.
The event also serves as an important charity fundraiser. All proceeds raised from food sales are donated to a charity researched and selected each year by Diversity Council students.
This year's beneficiary is Action Against Hunger, a global organization committed to ending world hunger that works to save the lives of malnourished children while providing communities with access to safe water and sustainable solutions to hunger.
Last year's charity, Chicago-based Inspiration Corporation, received a donation of $4,500 from World's Fair proceeds.
For more information on World's Fair, contact Diethrich at gdiethrich@d125.org or (847) 415-4465.