Lincoln celebrates its cultural diversity

As the four traditionally dressed Greek children circled the stage, dancing to the theme song of 1964's "Zorba the Greek," hundreds looked on. Before long, however, they were not alone.

Children dressed in Indian sari, Scottish kilts and Irish skirts, as well as traditional Palestinian dresses, joined the dance as the song crescendoed.

It was the culmination and finale of Lincoln Elementary School's third International Night, a night that celebrates the Glen Ellyn school's diversity.

Avani Deshpande's 6-year-old son, Swayam, participated in an Indian fashion show that kicked off the event.

"It's great," Deshpande said. "I was surprised they were doing this cultural program."

It was the first time Deshpande has attended the biannual event. Her first-grade son did not attend Lincoln the last time it was held.

She said the festivities served two functions: to celebrate one's own culture and to appreciate others.

"It's important to mix with other cultures," she said. "But you also need to understand your culture's language and what we do."

Throughout the night, dozens of children represented their backgrounds with dance and song. Students and parents from 19 different countries created poster board displays and brought in food.

Six continents were represented as displays showed off information from countries such as Egypt, United Kingdom, Spain and Colombia. The dances represented Palestine, Scotland, India and Ireland, among others.

The event's future is uncertain, however, as organizers Margaret Hernandez and Lisa Zorrilla both have fifth-grade children who will be graduating from the school.

But the two said they hoped the event will go districtwide.

"It's important everywhere to celebrate people's ethnicity and culture," Zorrilla said.

Jackie Setterdahl brought her two children, 9-year-old Tristan and 7-year-old Nicola, to represent their Swedish heritage.

"It's just important in showing where you come from," she said. "It's a fun thing to experience."

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