This evening (2.27.19) was a cornucopia of cultures, foods, music and hospitality as oodles of folks gathered in the LES gym for the second International Family Night (IFN).
The free event was a collaboration of students, families, teachers and community members celebrating the diverse cultures represented at LES (Lakeland Elementary School) and Lakeland Middle Preparatory School (LMPS).
Link to Google album: https://photos.app.goo.gl/A3VCXtjy18cMe4ZG8
It was hosted by the Lakeland School System (LSS) English as a Second Language (ESL) Program, according to Dr. Ted Horrell, LSS superintendent.
Coordinating the evening were Jennifer Cockroft, federal programs and special populations facilitator in the LSS Central Office; Lee Ann Kelly and Diann Sorensen, English Language Learners specialists at LES; and Alison Garland, ESL teacher at LMPS.
Among the countries represented were Mexico, Palestine, Venezuela, South Korea, India, Japan, Canada, Ireland, Italy, Greece, Guatemala, Germany, Vietnam, Kenya and Argentina. Families hosted decorated tables filled with cultural artifacts, clothing and food samples from the various countries.
There were 12 entertainment acts ranging from school to community groups: The LES Glee Club and LES Guitar Ensemble, the LMPS Mane Melody Singers and LMPS Jazz Ensemble, and Ms. Kelly’s ESL Group; Dr. Horrell and members of his “Monday Night Card” Band Natalie Duncan and Amy Gunnell; Hawaiian North Forty; Palestinian dancers; Confucius Institute at the University of Memphis; six families performing the Indian National Anthem; and Autoctona Xochiquetzal.
… Photos by Jim Willis, Lakeland Currents
