Northwood Roots Fest April 26; A CelebratIon of Cultures

Brazilian dance, Latino poetry, French music and Mariachi songs are just some of the performances that will kick off Northwood Junior High School’s 10th annual Roots Fest.  The evening event, which all community members are invited to attend, will begin at 5:30 p.m.  Thursday, April 26, with a Taste of Northwood.  A wonderful selection of ethnic cuisines donated by a number of area restaurants will be available for purchase.  Proceeds will benefit the Northwood PTA.  Student and staff performances will begin at 6:30 p.m.  The event will be held at the school, at 945 North Avenue, Highland Park.

Roots Fest is a celebration of culture and diversity.  More than 100 Northwood students have been rehearsing for months before and after school with about 15 Northwood teachers, who serve as sponsors and mentors to help get ready for the event.  The showcase of student talent will feature music, song and dance from cultures around the world.   Northwood teachers will also get into the act---about 25 of them will perform an African military step dance. “It’s an event that students and staff look forward to all year,” said Northwood Social Worker Sara Stoller, who is one of three faculty sponsors of the event.  “Everyone comes together---it’s a celebration of cultures both within Northwood and around the world.”  Other Northwood teacher co-sponsors are Spanish teacher Carly Solomon and math teacher Carolyn Frye.

The celebration continues for students at school on Friday, April 27, when professional performers representing a variety of different cultures will spend the day at Northwood.  A morning assembly for the entire school will feature a drum and dance troupe from Senegal.  Afterwards, students will break up by grade with other performers, including a hula dancer, an Egyptian Sai’di dance performance, a Jewish folk music trio, a rhythmic performance group and a German oompa band.

Funding for the event is provided largely through a 112 Education Foundation opportunity grant, along with help from the Northwood PTA and the school’s student activity fund.