South Cobb High Honors Cultures At International Festival

SOUTH COBB, GA -- Students at South Cobb High School in Austell recently enjoyed a day of fun, food and international flavor. The school's annual International Festival, which highlights the students' diversity and efforts of inclusion, was held recently at the Austell campus.

For the past 13 years, South Cobb social studies teacher Sally Giusti has organized the event, but this year some students arrived at 6 a.m. to get the day's festivities going. She said that many of them have been planning the festival since school began. SIGN UP: To get more stories covering Cobb news, click here to sign up for the South Cobb Patch. Or find your Atlanta-area town here. Or, if you have an iPhone, download the free Patch app.

“It makes me realize that our kids are some of the most talented and driven. They have a wonderful future when it comes to diversity and accepting everyone. I’m proud to be here,” Giusti was quoted as saying.

At this year's event, students set up tables representing more than 20 countries, a powerful sight in Cobb County. “You walk through the halls, and you see the face of America in the different students,” said South Cobb history teacher Andy Cole, who donned a Scottish kilt in homage to his heritage.

“We represent different types of countries from around the world,” sophomore Sherrod said. “It is brings life to South Cobb, being able to showcase all the different countries we have here, since the school is so diverse.”

The students are encouraged to participate by representing a different country and culture, usually with appropriate food and garb in tow. While many use the opportunity to represent their heritage, several pupils pay homage to other ways of life.

Riley a 10th-grade student dancer, represented Kenya as a tribute to one of her Kenyan friends. “I’m doing it with her so I can learn more about the dancing and the food,” said Riley. “It is very educational. I think it is important to be educated about what other people do so you are not close-minded.”

Image courtesy of Cobb Schools