By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

HELENA–The Helena Elementary School cafeteria was packed with students and families from all different backgrounds and nationalities on Wednesday, Dec. 9 as the school hosted an event titled “One World, Many Stories.”

Families from Mexico, El Salvador and more came to see their students perform by singing songs, dancing or reading.

Tables were filled with a wide assortment of food and dishes native to countries from around the world including tamales, pozole verde, empandas, cabbage rolls, atole and more.

HES first grader Sebastian Molina participated in the multicultural night and his favorite part was singing songs that included many different versions of saying hello in different languages.

“My favorite part of the song was getting to sing Kon’nichiwa,” said Molina. “I was excited for the song and glad we got to sing it.”

Another part of the night consisted of dancers from Prince of Peace who came and performed a variety of traditional and folk dances from Mexico.

HES ELL teacher Janie Blackstone helped organize the event and is excited whenever the school gets to host parents and families to show what the students have been working on.

“In addition to the performances, students also worked on poster board projects with their parents at home,” said Blackstone.

Students presented poster boards that consisted of information about their home country and city.

Some of the information included different traditions, holidays, members of their family, popular food related to the area and more.