The upper school’s gym was transformed into a festive international fair during Harker’s recent student-organized Global Empowerment Organization (GEO) multicultural assembly.

Throughout the room booths were set up representing various countries from around the globe, containing informational displays and samples of delicious native foods. Meanwhile, student performers dressed in colorful outfits, including traditional Indian and Hawaiian clothing, captivating an audience of both students and faculty.

Held during a long lunch period, the event had the casual feel of a street festival, with plenty of time for sampling tasty food, watching a lively on-stage performance and catching up with friends.

Working in the Romanian booth, Catalina Mihailive, grade 11, said she came from Romania just last year and is excited to be volunteering at the assembly. Noting that she is “having fun both in America and at Harker,” she added that she loved being able to share some of the food she grew up eating.

Meanwhile, GEO student member Shreya Vemuri, grade 11, volunteered to help lead the group’s communication and publishing efforts through the production of fliers and posters.

“The thing that’s different about this year is that the food and acts were combined … so we had to make sure to get the word out on that. And it seems to be working out really well,” she said.

Indeed, everyone appeared to enjoy the combined fair, which gave attendees the ability to simultaneously eat, socialize and watch a variety of acts unfold on stage. The show kicked off with a rousing number featuring a group of Korean dancers moving to pop beats, clad in red and black attire. That piece was followed by numerous other acts, including a set with Hawaiian dancers and lively vocal version of the song “La Bamba.”

The annual GEO assembly has always drawn an appreciative crowd. This year’s new combination of running the informational/food booths alongside the stage performances was such a success it may be repeated next year.