Madeline Corderman
On March 22nd Lebanon High School (LHS) hosted the Globally Strong Culture Fair. This event, organized by LHS art teacher Elizabeth Barker, takes place every three years; and draws many people from Missouri and other states to share and learn about cultures, faith, and art from around the globe.
From Missouri State University, students were among those invited to share and celebrate their cultures. They first watched performances by MSU Drs. Lyle Q. Foster was a keynote speaker and Richard Todd Payne was a vocal performer. Then, performances of Native American dances and songs were shared by various tribes from Oklahoma. The students then set up cultural artifacts and informative posters around the gymnasium. In all, presentations made by ELI and MSU’s international students and LHS students represented countries from every continent! Students and staff were free to visit tables to learn, discuss, and share aspects of the country and ideas represented. Even lunchtime served as an opportunity to learn, as LHS students served as “volunteer guides” for groups.
At the event’s end, time was given for small-group discussions among ELI and MSU’s international students and LHS students. The event concluded on a high note, leaving participants with a renewed sense of cultural appreciation and a shared commitment to global understanding and unity.