The dimming lights and the consequent hush that fell over the auditorium at sharply 6:45 p.m. last Wednesday signaled the start of Marshall’s annual International Night.
International Night is an event that celebrates the cultural diversity at Marshall. With over 20 countries and their cultures showcased, the night offered food, information boards and a variety of cultural performances.
The size and scope of the event mandated the collaboration of teachers, students, clubs and parent volunteers to achieve its large-scale goals of uniting the diverse cultures at Marshall.
Teacher involvement included history teacher Sean Rolon who succeeded Matthew Axelrod as the coordinator of the entertainment for the event.
The logistics of the event were primarily handled by parent volunteers. Sharyn Quirk, Cecilia Watson and Barbara Leiber-Klotz managed various aspects of the night.
Quirk, who was in charge of the overall preparation, credited the success of the evening to her fellow volunteers.
“In order for International Night to occur I needed people to take on various roles,” she said. “This amazing team and many parent volunteers have prepared a very special evening for the Marshall community.”
According to Rolon, the performances, which were largely self-choreographed and rehearsed, proved to be very diverse. They included dances like Kathak, a traditional Indian dance done by sophomore Supraja Chittari and a rendition of “I Still Call Australia My Home” from the musical The Boy from Oz, by junior Joshua Jones.
The Can-Can dance that concluded the event with ear-splitting applause was prepared by the members of French Club and organized through the assistance of French teacher Sylvie Rosenbaum.
“I was very impressed by the Can-Can dance,” sophomore Joshna Seelam, who performed two Bollywood numbers at the event, said.
“It was apparent that they put a lot of effort in.”
Due to this comprehensive collaboration, the attendee responses expressed appreciation and admiration with a hope that this cultural practice be continued for years to come.
“I really hope they continue this next year,” parent Susan Pierce said.
“Maybe they can have a professional videographer, and sell some CD’s because these performances were totally worth it.”