The Bridgewater-Raritan High School community came together on Wednesday, November 8, for its first— and very successful– International Night.

From the Telugu to the Cherokee booth, there was a diverse array of cultures present at International Night.

The event brought together over 200 students, family members and staff and raised awareness for the variety of cultures present in the event that was held at Bridgewater-Raritan High School’s main cafeteria.

Events like these provide students with a unique opportunity to celebrate diversity and learn about cultures beyond their own.

Bridgewater-Raritan High School is not just known for its academics; it is also a melting pot of diverse backgrounds, experiences and cultures shown through its students. The high school decided to hold this event to embrace the diverse student body and showcase the kaleidoscope of traditions, foods and performances from around the world.

The language honor societies at Bridgewater-Raritan High School were present at International Night, each having a booth where students were able to learn more about the culture through the posters they made.

Additional cultures were present to be more representative of the Bridgewater-Raritan High School community.

These booths had a variety of activities, including tasting their traditional food, coloring, playing trivia games or engaging in a specific activity originating from that culture.

For example, the Spanish National Honor Society provided a plethora of food, including empanadas and rice for students to try. They also had students color sugar skulls in honor of the Day of the Dead.

The atmosphere was energetic from the excitement to learn and eat different foods from different cultures. Attendees also saw various singing and instrumental performances throughout the night from students, which exposed them to different cultures other than their own.

“It truly opened my eyes to how wonderful and unique every culture is,” high school junior and attendee Nikita Kumar said.

International Night and other cultural nights are not just about entertainment; they are educational experiences that broaden perspectives. They are events where students can learn about the world outside their immediate surroundings and gain a global mindset that will serve them well in an increasingly interconnected world.

International Night was the perfect opportunity for the district to feel like a community again. As students engaged with different cultures through food, booths and performances, they cultivated a deeper appreciation for the beauty that lies in our differences. These events not only enrich the high school experience but also lay the foundation for a more inclusive and interconnected society.