With a world that’s forever widening in terms of differences and diversity, Wednesday evening’s (March 6) World Culture Night at Cider Mill School was a chance for students and families to come together and experience one another’s heritage and distinctions.
For the second year in a row, the school’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee hosted the party, featuring abundant food from many different cultures, clothes and jewelry, music, dance, and memorabilia representing dozens of countries with ties to Wilton.
“We’re just here to learn about everybody’s culture and give the families the opportunity to showcase their culture,” explained Alyssa Peterson, a third-grade teacher and co-chair of the DEI Committee.
“It looks like we have about 18 different cultures represented,” she said, with some families teaming with others to share their common backgrounds.
Skylar Tsoi, 7, waits for the start of World Culture Night. Credit: Jarret Liotta / GOOD Morning Wilton 
The Zawoiski family shared food particular to both Italy and Poland. Credit: Jarret Liotta / GOOD Morning Wilton 
Charles Mills and his son Westbrook, 11, prepares treats found in the Phillipines. Credit: Jarret Liotta / GOOD Morning Wilton 
Luke Rehm, 6, likes the look of an Italian dessert. Credit: Jarret Liotta / GOOD Morning Wilton 
Lucy Bena, 10, serves food from Costa Rica. Credit: Jarret Liotta / GOOD Morning Wilton 
Visitors look over a display about India. Credit: Jarret Liotta / GOOD Morning Wilton 
Annette Sterling makes some moves to some Indian music. Credit: Jarret Liotta / GOOD Morning Wilton 
Adele Rinaldi, 8, represented Germany. Credit: Jarret Liotta / GOOD Morning Wilton 
Princiapl Jennifer Falcone introduces the program. Credit: Jarret Liotta / GOOD Morning Wilton 
Dancers take part in World Culture Night at Cider Mill School. Credit: Jarret Liotta / GOOD Morning Wilton 
Band teacher Jon Garcia and some members of the fifth grade band entertain. Credit: Jarret Liotta / GOOD Morning Wilton 
Parent Tom Bervoets prepares Belgian waffles. Credit: Jarret Liotta / GOOD Morning Wilton 
Rahi Trivedi, 9, tries a treat from Italy. Credit: Jarret Liotta / GOOD Morning Wilton 
Some kolache from the Czech Republic. Credit: Jarret Liotta / GOOD Morning Wilton 
Offerings representing Pakistan. Credit: Jarret Liotta / GOOD Morning Wilton 
Sofia Mykhalemko, 11, representing Ukraine, pours a drink for a visitor. Credit: Jarret Liotta / GOOD Morning Wilton 
A table filled with decorative Indian jewelry draws some attention. Credit: Jarret Liotta / GOOD Morning Wilton
“I think it’s so important because our school has such a variety of so many cultures … so everybody gets to know everybody and learn about other cultures,” Peterson said.
Jon Garcia, Cider Mill band teacher and DEI co-chair, said it’s important for students to be able to share and celebrate their backgrounds.
“It just gives them a way to be proud of where they come from,” he said, “and share about their culture.”
He said there’s hope that the event can also be expanded to include the other schools.
“The goal is to have this for the whole town,” Garcia said. “Next year we want to partner with Middlebrook and the high school. We haven’t worked out the logistics, but we want to make it a whole community event.”
Parents, many of whom joined their children in presenting facets of their culture, were excited to see the event so well-attended, with around 100 people taking part.
“This event is very important,” parent Sonal Gupta said. “We have so much diversity in our school and in our community.”
Parent Paul Rehm agreed.
“It’s an amazing event,” he said. “It’s really well done and everybody puts a lot of effort into the education and the food.”
Cider Mill Principal Jennifer Falcone was also on hand.
“I think what’s so fabulous is just being able to have all our families show their beautiful culture,” she said, noting that the DEI Committee has been in place for six years.
“It’s just a chance to celebrate and share each other’s cultures, which we don’t get a chance to do very often,” she said.