WEST MILFORD — Debra Redding’s and Kristen Rosimini’s third grade classes at Maple Road Elementary School prepared, presented and performed in an international festival, an evening spent celebrating the “richness of diversity” of America, our great melting pot.
The students came dressed in traditional clothing representing their country of ancestry and “walked the runway” in a fashion show. They presented a research report on their country, complete with illustrated pages, and revealed an interesting fact they learned to everyone in attendance. With the help of parents, each child submitted a recipe, and a cultural cookbook was published and made available.
The students sang “One Nation” and performed several cultural dances, including the Hora, Tanko Bushi, Irish Jig, Virginia Reel and Mexican Hat Dance.
Each third grader prepared and served their cultural dish to their class and community of parents, teachers and relatives. Every student then had the opportunity to travel “around the world” with their customized passports and visit other countries to enjoy the cuisine, as their parents took over serving.
The children gathered once again to perform a heart-felt rendition of “American Tears” with a touching solo sung by fifth grader Lexi O’Flaherty. During the song, a slide show of military family members played in the background.
This year the students and teachers proudly honored Robert Myshkoff, United States Air Force E4 Sergeant, who was stationed in Thailand with the 432nd Field Maintenance Squad, and Fort Sumter with the 363rd Field Maintenance Squad, and coincidentally is grandfather to third grader Marina Petrosillo, who participated in the evening’s events. As the performance came to a close, the teachers acknowledged all of the military men and women who protect our country, along with their students and parents who helped make the Third Grade International Festival a success.