Press Release

West High School Students to Promote World Unity at International Fair

April 16, 2001

"This is a recognition of peace and unity around the world. It's a way to get a flavor of what certain cultures are like," says Center for International Studies student Calina Bowman.

"Hand and Hand Cultures Stand United" is the theme for the 8th annual international festival scheduled for Friday, April 20th, 2001 from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The event will be held in the West High School gymnasium (951 Elati St.). Admission is free.

The fair will feature food from around the world as well as live entertainment including traditional Cambodian dancers, bagpipers, and music from the Andes, Thailand, Japan and more. Other activities include the "Window to the World Fashion Show," an art contest, and a Chinese Calligrapher.

Many of the seniors organizing this event - in fact, the event is planned and produced entirely by students - are well-traveled and speak a second language. The student organizers say the many initiatives around the world this year to promote peace - including efforts in Korea and the Middle East - led to the development of this year's fair theme.

The Center for International Studies is a magnet program that promotes "world-minded" learning. Through stimulating classroom studies, challenging student projects, academically oriented community service and cross-cultural interaction, students engaged in the rigorous CIS program acquire a broad-based academic background with an international focus. Students successfully completing the four-year CIS program earn a Diploma of International Studies.

For more information, please call 303-620-5364.