Butler students celebrate their ethnic cultures with International Day

Many of their families come from Mexico and China.

Others come from Greece, Italy or the Middle East.

And they all come together once a year each February at Butler Junior High in Oak Brook to celebrate their cultural heritage during International Day.

Organizers of the event, which is sponsored by the school's PTO and International Club, said these four countries and one region are chosen because that's where the majority of Butler students have roots.

"Our school is very unique in the fact that we have such a diverse student body," said Melissa Zaniewski, language arts teacher and International Club sponsor.

Students dress in traditional clothing that represents their ethnicity and sample foods from all over the globe.

And this year, just for fun, they watched a performance by a Cajun-themed band, Mojo & the Bayou Gypsies.

"The idea is to help the kids learn about the world around them," Zaniewski said.

-- Elisabeth Mistretta