Eldersburg Elementary School students traveled the world without ever leaving their school?s gym and cafeteria.
The school held its second annual Heritage Night on Thursday, which allowed students, faculty and their families to experience a diverse range of demonstrations, performances and food from the furthest reaches of the globe.
“The kids really enjoyed dancing to the beat of the African drummers,” said Jacalyn Powell, the school?s principal.
Students were captivated by an African percussion ensemble from McDaniel College, martial arts and lindyhopping demonstrations, and a troupe of belly dancers, according to Wendy Holthause, the school?s office manager.
“It was a great success. The parents and teachers went all out in getting exhibits together,” said Kristin Metcalf, assistant principal.
The purpose of the event is to familiarize students with the heritage of their teachers and classmates.
“Many students saw things they never have before, so it was a huge success,” Metcalf said.
A bagpiper from a local Irish restaurant brought along Irish food, but the Emerald Isle was not the only provider of exotic sustenance. Food sampled at the event came from such distant locales as Norway, China, Australia and India.
Holthause estimated attendance at approximately 200, larger than last year?s crowd.
Carolyn DeMay, a first-grade teacher, and Dawn Martin, a third-grade teacher, organized the event, which caps Eldersburg Elementary?s celebration of Multicultural Month.
