Going International at Mainland Regional High School
By Tammy Thornton
Friends and family of Mainland Regional High School students toured approximately fifteen countries in one night, all without jet lag. Language clubs hosted their second annual “Taste Around the World” on Thursday, November 15th, in the Mainland cafeteria. Students from the Spanish, Latin, French, and Italian clubs treated guests to delicious authentic food from various countries represented by their club. For a minimal ticket charge, attendees could sample tasty offerings such as grape leaves and spanakopita from Greece or cachapas from Venezuela.
Each club featured countries that speak their respective club’s language and provided colorful tri-fold displays informing guests of interesting facts and history of those countries. Spanish teacher Leslie Kronemeyer organized the event and Spanish Club co-presidents Angie Stefanowicz and Haley Russo coordinated the other clubs. Mrs. Kronemeyer attributes the success of the night to the many “teachers, staff, parents, and students [that] worked together.”
Proceeds from the event, which was attended by approximately 100-125 people, will benefit the many activities of the clubs. The Latin club uses their contributions towards the annual chariot races held on the track in the spring, while the French club is planning a trip to New York City with hopes to visit the United Nations. Funds for the Spanish club will be used to help pay for a bus to New York City for a food festival and also to buy things for the “giving” tree at Christmastime. The Italian club will help fund events for the club such as Italian parties, Italian movie night, and bocce ball, as well as anything related to the promotion of the Italian language and culture for its members. Of course, these are just a few of the activities planned throughout the year for these busy clubs.
According to Kronemeyer, “This event highlighted many countries that make up our Mainland Community. All of the language club advisors were impressed with the efforts and time our students made to research their recipes and prepare the foods. Cooking for 100 people is not an easy task!”
Tammy Thornton is a mom of four, a substitute teacher, and a Sunday school teacher. She is passionate about gardening and cooking, and loves the beach.
