W+H community excited for annual IFFN

By Vinay Karthik ‘25

The W+H Desi Club strikes their final pose after a dazzling 6-minute performance of Bollywood dance.

Coming up soon in February is International Family Fun Night, one of the most awaited annual events at The Wardlaw+Hartridge School that recognizes and honors its diverse community of students, families, and faculty from different cultures and backgrounds. To mark the celebration this year, the W+H community will gather together in the AP Room on Friday, February 3 from 6 to 9 p.m.

One of the highlights of International Family Fun Night is a buffet with mouth watering delicacies from all around the world, which will be hosted by the Senior Class of 2023. The entire evening will also be packed with vibrant cultural performances and activities in the AP Room, ranging from dancing and music to fashion shows showcasing traditional clothing. Some of the groups that will be performing include Upper School affinity groups such as BSA, Desi Club, and HLA.

BSA has planned a spectacular fashion show and dance. Gbemi Olarewaju ‘24, one of the leaders of BSA, said, “I am looking forward to the people and vibrancy of International Family Fun Night. The energy in the room is always extraordinary and the performance amazes me every year!”

Desi Club is also preparing to perform a Bollywood mashup dance from the different grades in the affinity groups. “I am ecstatic about celebrating my culture in a schoolwide event, and I am very excited to see what the BSA produces this year; last year I loved their fashion show and dance!” said Raiya Patel ‘24, one of the leaders of Desi Club.

HLA will be performing a lively bachata and music mashup at International Family Fun Night. Emma Herko ‘25, a member of HLA, said, “I am looking forward to seeing our new dance being completed and performed as well as our new T-shirt designs representing HLA being unveiled!”

Throughout the AP Room, there are also a wide variety of activities that families can take part in, including different arts and crafts stations hosted by the affinity group AAPI.

International Family Fun Night would never be the unforgettable tradition that it is today without the gracious help and support of the Parents’ Association in catering the food, organizing activities, and hosting the cultural performances.

“International Family Fun Night allows us to unite all together in celebration of the uniqueness of our school community and the backgrounds and cultures of the individuals. With so many groups working together to make the night run successfully, including the Parents’ Association, it is an event that many look forward to every year. It has become a Wardlaw+Hartridge tradition that I am so thankful to be a part of, ”said Mrs. Justine Borzumato, the senior class dean.

Please join us on Friday, February 3 in the AP Room to celebrate the amazing talents, distinct cultures, and mouth watering cuisines of our diverse community of students, family, and faculty!