International Night serves up food, fun and facts

by Donna M. Webb
Grand Island Dispatch, December 8, 2006

Hawaiian dancers at the school’s International Night on Dec. 1. (photo by Fred Claus)

There was an array of sights, sounds, and tastes from around the world on Dec. 1, when Connor Middle School held its annual International Night. You could peruse and buy holiday crafts, take chances on a basket raffle, listen to band music and create a holiday decoration in the art rooms. Also, you could enjoy watching dances from other countries, see a karate demonstration, and treat yourself to ethnic foods.

The evening began with three Hawaiian dances. A large crowd gathered to watch the graceful movements to music. These were performed by Lori Cordero, one of Connor’s guidance counselors, and her troupe of 11 girls. Along with middle school students, the group also included younger dancers from Sidway, Kaegebein and Huth Road schools, as well as Cordero’s young daughter, Emily. Cordero said the dancers rehearsed four times before their presentation. One of the numbers was a Hawaiian Christmas song. At one point, Cordero asked for audience participation and taught several eager volunteers a Hawaiian dance.

Next, Manjinder Kaur performed three dances from India. This sixth-grade student at Connor Middle wore a long pink dress and scarf, along with a blue tunic. Kaur explained that in India, the dress is called a “langha;” and the scarf, a “duppta.” The blue tunic is a “choli.” Her dance movements were fluid, as though she had practiced a number of times. When asked about this, Kaur replied, “I never practice. I made it up all the way. I came right from India.” She and her family came to our country just last year.

The other special events that followed included karate demonstrations by a group called Project Future NY. The City Honors African Dance Troop performed, accompanied by drums. Finally, Irish dancers from the McCarthy School of Dance stepped lively to music, much to the delight of the audience.

Middle School band members from grades 6 through 8 livened up the hallway as they played a number of traditional American songs. These included “Take Me Out to the Ball Game,” “When Johnny Comes Marching Home,” the “Armed Forces Medley,” and “When the Saints Come Marching In.” Band teacher Sarah Russo kept a watchful eye over her protégés.

Eighth-graders (from left to right) Katie Oursler, Sarah Meyers, and Nikolle McMahon have a grand time singing while accompanied by Charles Wolffer on the accordion. He entertained those who stopped for a bite to eat during Connor Middle School’s International Night on Dec. 1. Wolffer formerly taught social studies at the school. (photo by Donna Webb)

Also set up in the hallway was a display of holiday gifts for sale; these were crafted by Pat Caffery. She said she enjoyed her return visit to International Night. She said she is asked to come in order to provide the students with a chance to buy holiday items at reasonable prices. Her selections included snowman ornaments, sachets, penguin potholders, Christmas door stops, and candy-filled mugs. Caffery also donated a gift basket to the raffle.

There were about 30 items in the raffle; some were gift certificates. These included all-day passes to the Darien Lake Theme Park and dinner for two at the Currents Restaurant at the Grand Island Holiday Inn. Those who bought raffle tickets could also take chances on autographed photos of the Buffalo Bills or baskets with such themes as: pets, Christmas wrapping items; coffee, tea, and cookies; and art supplies. One lucky patron, Tracy Amin, won both a certificate for an Anderson’s ice cream cake and one for two free appetizers at the TGI Friday’s restaurant. She has two children who attend Connor Middle School and one who is a student at the high school.

Last, but not least, there was the food. In the cafeteria, French Club members cooked up crepes right before your eyes. At this very popular table, one could choose among the toppings: chocolate, strawberry, or whipped cream. Other foods for sale included pizza, nacho tortilla chips, cookies and this tempting assortment representing the country of Italy: lasagna, cannoli pie, and a cappuccino dessert.

The Health and Wellness Committee of Connor Middle School also had some interesting displays on hand in the cafeteria. One, under the direction of health teacher Don Sauer, showed the actual amounts of fat found in servings of various foods. The fat was contained in labeled test tubes, which made for easy comparison. Of the 30 foods represented, the highest fat content was found in French fries -16 grams – which took up two inches of a vial. Not even Pasta Alfredo had more fat than the fries.

Judging by the number of students and parents who attended this entertaining and educational event, it appears that International Night was a big success.