Dana Hall’s Upper School students gathered on Wednesday, January 23, to kick off the School’s annual International Week with the Parade of Flags. The weeklong festivities celebrate students and faculty from all cultures and countries.

International student advisor Sherri Geller was thrilled with this year’s parade turnout: 31 flags were on display. Anyone who had a connection to a particular country or culture was invited to carry a flag. 

“There are so many Dana students who are connected to different cultures, whether they are from there, were born there, or have relatives there,” Geller explained.

The International Week celebration continues with language lessons at advisor meetings on Thursday, an international film festival on Friday evening, an international food festival on Sunday, and an international bazaar at lunch on Monday. The festivities conclude with a special community dinner on Tuesday evening. A photo exhibit will be on display all week outside of the photo lab.

International Week gives students from different countries a chance to share their culture with their fellow students. According to Geller, the food festival is one of the events most highly anticipated. International students cook dishes from their home countries to share with the Dana community. This year, food from 12 different countries will be prepared and presented.

Additionally, every year the International Student Association chooses a global cause and organization to support. The proceeds from this year’s international bazaar will go to World Hunger Year, a leader in the fight against hunger around the world.