International Night is a much-anticipated event hosted by Lambert’s International Club as it celebrates the diverse culture and traditions of Lambert’s student body. This year, Lambert’s International Night will be held on Thursday, March 27 and will feature over 30 booths and many performances from cultures across the world. However, concerns over safety and improving the event have prompted important changes to how International Night will be run.
A significant change this year is holding the performances inside the cafeteria. In the past, a major issue was that participants were allowed to roam around the school. This was seen as a security risk since attendees could wander into any part of the school. By confining the event to the cafeteria, attendees will likely stay inside the given area and ensure the safety of others in the school.
The audition process prior to the event will also be taking on changes. The club sponsors and leadership team for Lambert International Club plan on being more rigid with the procedure by ensuring that the audition replicates the actual event performance. According to International Club’s secretary Sami Jothi, a more meticulous audition process will help keep attendees safer and the night a fun experience for all.
“We have stricter security,” Jothi explained. “The reason why we are not allowing outside performances this year. We hope to keep our students and people who are visiting safe.”
After struggles in previous years, it is understandable that performances will only be exclusive to Lambert students. This is also a great opportunity, as they will have increased exposure to present their culture and heritage on stage. For example, Lambert’s Indian Classical Dance Club hopes that by being selected to perform, the event will bring more representation to the group and their culture.
Additionally, instead of taking canned foods at the door, the club has decided to take cash from visitors. At last year’s International Night, visitors were asked to bring canned food to gain entry to the event. The food was donated to charity, but, with so many people attending, the club had acquired a large collection of canned food. As Jothi explains, collecting canned food was too much of an effort for club members and those who were attending alike.
“We felt it was way too overwhelming considering how many people came,” Jothi said. “We can’t really transport a cart of cans every ten minutes. So, this year we wanna make it easier for us and the guests.”
These new revisions to the event will allow for International Club to conduct an International Night that is safer, more efficient and enjoyable for everyone. While International Night will look slightly different this year, it is sure to bring the same immersive educational experience and inclusive atmosphere that Lambert has fostered for years.
