Tokeneke’s ‘Passport Around the World’ Event Shows Kids Different Cultures

Tokeneke families enjoyed an international evening of delight at the school’s popular Passport around the World event this month.

Hundreds of students, parents, and teachers filled the great hall, gymnasium, and auditorium to partake in the biennial cultural celebration.

Photo from the Darien Public Schools "News of the Week" Newsletter

Rithwika Veeturi presents an authentic Indian dance at Tokeneke School’s Passport Around the World event

The gymnasium was transformed into an international fair with stations representing countries from around the world and hosted by parents who were excited to share a bit of their cultural heritage.

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— This announcement from the Tokeneke Publicity Committee is also featured in the Darien Public Schools “News of the Week” Newsletter. All pictures are contributed by the publicity committee.

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The children carried a passport from station to station and enjoyed exploring all of the different artifacts, native goods, and hands-on activities.

Dancers from the Darien Art Center perform a medley of Kung Fu, hip hop and Bollywood moves at the Passport Around the World event at Tokeneke School.

Contributed photo

Linnea and Annika Mengwall in their traditional Swedish attire

In order to receive a stamp in their passport, students had to answer a special question at each booth, and once they had filled their passport they could collect a prize.

In the Great Hall, guests had the opportunity to sample cuisines from around the world as volunteers from The Depot dished out tasty treats from local vendors such as Coromandel, Tengda, and Angela Mia.

Meanwhile, on the main stage in the common room, Principal Mary Michelson emceed the evening of entertainment that featured performances from Tokeneke students as well as local dance troupes.

Lucie, Anna and Claire Ventker host the Germany station

The audience enjoyed a dozen different styles of dance including a traditional Indian dance by Tokeneke 5^th grader Rithwika Veeturi , a Kung Fu and Bollywood number by the Darien Arts Center, a martial arts demonstration by Dynamic Martial Arts Family Center, Irish step dancing by Pender Keady Academy, a Chinese dance by the Chinese Language School of Fairfield County and a Russian song and dance by students of the Evrika Learning Center.

This is Tokeneke’s third Passport around the World celebration since its inception in 2013, and it continues to be one of the most popular school events for students and parents alike.

The Canada booth is full of fans at Tokeneke’s third biennial Passport around the World celebration

Event organizer and Tokeneke parent Nakia Steadman was so pleased with the turnout.

“It was nice to see so many kids dressed in cultural costume proudly showcasing their cultural heritage. The night had such a great community feel to it and it was a nice way to get to know new faces,” she said.

This is Tokeneke’s third Passport around the World celebration since its inception in 2013, and it continues to be one of the school’s most popular events for students and parents alike.