Students on the Bolles Lower School Whitehurst Campus took a trip around the world January 24 during the fourth annual Whitehurst Campus International Festival – learning about more than 20 countries and geographic regions!

Five upper school students in the Bolles Resident Life program and 10 day students joined 13 Whitehurst Campus families in sharing and celebrating their heritage. From tasting Jamaican jerk chicken to dancing the Spanish El Chotis, the Bulldogs soaked in each experience and enjoyed making connections with various cultures.

The morning began with an all-campus presentation in McGehee Auditorium to kick off the global festivities. Bolles Lower School Whitehurst Campus Head Dr. Christy Lusk energized the students and introduced them to the places they would soon learn about throughout the day. Fifth graders also shared more about their grade-level studies revolving around language and recited the “Pledge of Allegiance” while using American Sign Language.

Next, students began 20-minute rotations through the immersive cultural presentations. Families and groups were stationed in classrooms throughout campus, sharing about the history, geography, traditions, clothing, music and dances of their respective cultures. Many presenters showcased photos and videos, and some included single-servings of food for each visiting class. 

Thanks to the Whitehurst Campus MLT Committee for planning this special event: Jennifer Moore, Andrea Benitez, Andi Oldham, Rachel Freeman, Meredith Thorpe, Jamie Plauche, Daniel Austin and Linda Farber. Bolles Director of Global Learning and Engagement Allison Chandler, International Student Advisor Jessica Boylan and Upper School Academic Travel Programs Coordinator Kristin Hong also played an important role in arranging the upper school students' participation in this year’s International Festival.

For photos and videos from the Whitehurst International Festival, visit our online gallery here. #BollesGlobal