Viewfinder: McMurray Elementary Students Span the Globe

Sixth-grade students of participated in the annual festivity known as "Spanning the Globe" Friday. From authentic attire to the most ethic of food, students learned of international cultures from local representatives, some even parents of students.

"The planning starts in January," said Principal Blair Stoehr. "The parental and community support is second to none." 

"Kids need to know all of this globalization—it's part of life," said Barbara Chen, representative, along with her husband Raymond, and mother of Cindy. 

They presented Taiwan to students, where Cindy was born. Chen teaches Chen Chinese, a Chinese program.

Having been held for more than 15 years, the event has evolved greatly, accordingly to sixth-grade teacher and event coordinator Amy Casciola. 

"Our speakers have really grown," she said. "We're having to turn representatives away." 

She noted that many of the representatives return each year, even after their children are no longer attending McMurray.

Fabienne Palu-Benson, a native of Brittany, France who's resided in the States for 15 years, returned for her fourth year to represent France. Her daughter, for whom she volunteered four years ago, is now a freshman at the high school.

And, as for the day's food festival—that's one of the best parts. 

"We have the best parents group," said Casciola. "This year's food festival will be fabulous. Probably better than any party we've ever had."

Tables were sprawling with goodies like Russian Tea Cakes, Baklava, Lupini beans, lemon ice and French patisserie items. Creative, hard-working moms transformed the cafeteria into the most festive school event one could attend.

As students visited country to country sampling foods, they were required to have their "passports" stamped.

The day ended with a special tradition: Tug of War.

"The students love it," she said. "They all have bragging rights."

PTA member and mom Jodi Hannah said the event is ramped up every year. 

"We're lucky to have such creative parents," she said. "Our kids are so lucky to go here."