By: J M Hummel

Salsa dancing, the polka, and great food were found at the first International Night in recent memory.  It was an event like no other. During various language classes, students were taught how to salsa and polka with the best of them. It didn’t matter that I had two left feet, within a matter of days I performed a salsa routine in front of a number of witnesses. Srta. Trimboli and Frau Altmiller were driven and committed to creating and crafting a night in which world cultures could be celebrated. When asked about how far this could go Srta. Trimboli stated “Until we run out of different cultures in the world,” which was an amazing statement considering how many things we covered during the night. From Japanese Origami to playing a German pretzel toss game, the night was full of interesting people and spectacles of different countries.

 
A major highlight of the night was the variety of food, everything from Arroz con pollo (Chicken and Rice) to Lasagna was present in the buffet catered by the Cambridge Inn for the event. The night continued with hands on activities in which we were directed in how to create panda origami and we were treated to a game known as a pretzel toss in which we literally tossed pretzels into a pail held over the head of a catcher, winners received German candy. The high energy atmosphere and the friendly attitude were very relaxing, making it fun to try something new. The appreciation of different cultures is very important in this country, and International Night was a step in the right direction.

 
By the end of the night I could dance salsa with my eyes closed, appreciate the skill involved in a polka, create Chinese lanterns out of New Years envelopes, and make a panda bear by folding paper. I honestly have to say that out of a majority of school functions I have been to, the International Night was one of the most entertaining.  I give it 5 stars out of 5 and I say that whoever wishes for a good time, should look out for this event next year.