On Friday, October 26, 7th-grade students attended the International Festival of Raleigh. They explored various cultural booths, speaking with people from 36 countries about this year's theme: celebrations around the world.

Students enjoyed a world bazaar and a delicious international café featuring 31 different cuisines. They interacted with people from around the world and journaled their experiences by completing a scavenger hunt with their advisory group. Many had the opportunity to enjoy a performance by Ed Stephenson & Flamenco Dance, an international dance performance, while others witnessed parts of a Naturalization Ceremony with 200 candidates from 40 different countries.

On their return, students worked in their advisory groups to create and present a reflection poster of what they had learned. Perhaps Mr. Haas' advisory summed it up best: "The International Festival is The Best-Ival."

What an engaging opportunity to stretch boundaries and experience something new—a world of fun and connections to discover in our very own backyard!