Molloy’s annual International Day received a big makeover this month, boasting a brand new format and a new name. The 2018 International Fair was organized by Ms. Dorothy DeNotoand Ms. Jessica Pastore ’04 and featured homemade ethnic cuisine, cultural performances, and opportunities for visitors to directly interact with our many cultural clubs. Dishes representing ethnic backgrounds from all over the world were prepared and donated by students and their families, as well as alumni. Students representing Indian Club, Spanish Club, Afro-Caribbean Club, and others also performed original choreography inspired by traditional dances.
In past years, the event program was split in half: food was served during the first half, while performances took place on stage in the Jack Curran Gym in the second half. The new International Fair featured food throughout the event, while dance performances took place at the center of the gym floor intermittently, which allowed for a unique flow to the program. This also let visitors get closer to the performers, as opposed to watching them on stage from afar. Each cultural club also had representatives stationed at tables throughout the gym, who answered questions about their history and about any of the cultural items or clothing on display. Upon entering the Fair, visitors were given “passports” that they could have stamped by each club to record and track their progress.
“The new format was innovative, entertaining, and exciting,” said Ms. DeNoto. “The students were very enthusiastic, and many who performed also returned to the food stations or club tables to interact with visitors and share information about their heritage. We were very happy with the event overall.” Alumni are reminded that they are always welcome to attend or participate in the International Fair!
Thank you to Ms. DeNoto, Ms. Pastore, President Karsten, Principal Penikas, Ms. Murdocca, and our facilities staff for their efforts to coordinate this event. Thank you to our students and their families and our alumni for contributing dishes and cultural items, and special thanks to Herbert Leona ’11 and the Leona family (pictured with President Richard Karsten ‘81) for once again donating their roasted pig! (The Leona family has continued this tradition for nearing a decade!).
Photos by Elizabeth Duran ’20, Ariya Mangru ’19, Jennifer Marry ’19, and Jake Temkin ’20.