International Night took place on Apr. 9 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the cafeteria and was a vibrant celebration of diversity and culture, highlighting the rich assortment of backgrounds that make up the school community, and providing students, faculty and families with a chance to come together, celebrate their unique heritages and learn from one another in a powerful demonstration of unity.

During the event, Acting Principal Dr. Joseph Bostic Jr. shared a message of unity and strength, reminding those in attendance that the power of community lies in shared experiences and the strength gained from coming together. “International Night was an inspiring celebration of culture, unity and pride. Events like these strengthen our Wootton community by allowing us to learn from one another, honor our diversity and build deeper connections. They remind us that together, we are richer in perspective, stronger in spirit and united in purpose,” Dr. Bostic said.

A key component of the event was the displays and performances, which allowed participants to showcase their heritage through food, music and traditional clothing. One of the central themes of the evening was how these cultural expressions help bridge gaps to foster understanding and respect.

English teacher and Restorative Approaches Lead Lindsey Vance reflected on the importance of such gatherings in today’s world. “I think that creating a sense of community is critical at a time when we as a society feel disconnected from each other. What I really love about this event is that it’s an opportunity for people to come together and celebrate each other’s cultures, and I think moving forward, it will continue to make us feel more united as a school community,” Vance said.

For sophomore Ginan Ahmed, who represented Sudan at the event, International Night was an empowering experience, allowing her to express and share parts of her identity that are not always highlighted in her everyday school life.“When I’m in school, I can’t express my culture as much. I just wear normal clothes, but for this cultural event, I’m able to put my culture out there and educate others by having them learn about my people and try our food. I find that really empowering, especially because sometimes people forget about Sudan and only remember Egypt. Sudan gets overshadowed, but it is also a part of the Nile River, and I think it’s important for people to know,” Ahmed said.

Another highlight of the night was the opportunity to try traditional foods from different cultures. From dishes like savory Filipino lumpia to sweet Indian gulab jamun, food served as both a literal and metaphorical bridge between communities.

Performances such as the Afroelites, bachata and singing in Tagalog further highlighted the diversity of this school’s student body. These performances were not just about entertainment but about bringing to life the different cultures represented in the room.

The success of International Night was a testament to the strength of this community, and its message of unity will resonate throughout the rest of the year. The event was not just a celebration of cultural diversity but a reminder of the power of coming together to build a stronger, more unified community. “When we unite our strengths, voices, talents and hearts, we create a community where each challenge becomes possible to overcome and each dream is more attainable,” Dr. Bostic said.