Hundreds Turn Out For Family Cultural Night At Odenton School

ODENTON, MD — More than 600 people attended Waugh Chapel Elementary School's second annual Family Cultural Night recently to learn more about the cultures of other countries. Michele C. Walker, a speech-language pathologist at the school, said last year's event was well attended by members of the school community, but this year drew a record number of guests including students, parents, grandparents and siblings of students.

Students showcased what they have learned so far about the countries. Kindergartners sang in Mandingo "Fatou Yo" from Senegal while the first graders sang "Waltzing Matilda" from Australia. Second graders sand and danced to "The Kalinka from Russia" and third graders sang "Rock Mi" in German while dancing around a Maibaum, or Maypole. Fourth graders sang "El Jarabe" in Spanish and danced a traditional Mexican routine. Fifth graders performed on bells and drums while singing "Sambalele" in Portugese.

"There were artifacts and foods from many countries, including from America, Brazil, Senegal, Ireland and Japan. There were restaurant donations of food from Nando Peri Peri (chicken wings), Mezeh Mediterranean Grill (classic hummus and Israeli couscous), The Hide Away (chicken wings), and The Nautilus Diner (lasagna)," Walker told Patch. "There were games from Senegal and other African countries and a special video presentation of WCES students singing and signing the song 'It's A Small World.'"