Gallery • 4 Photos

Kathryn Barrett '27

Haven students represent their culture through the international day performance in the auditorium on the 1st of May. Despite time constraints, international day continued it's tradition of vibrant performances accompanied by lighting and music.

A hush descends upon the crowd; a darkened auditorium suddenly becomes illuminated by dazzling lights. The crowd bursts into applause as performers emerge on the stage. For the next 45 minutes, the crowd is guided on a vibrant trip around the world, spanning from Ireland to Japan.

This is International Day, a diverse display of cultural dance, music, and fashion curated by Haven students every year. This year’s performance, however, differs in at least one way.

“It’s been probably the shortest amount of time we’ve had to prepare,” adviser Mr. Robert Zakrzewski said.

During the months leading up to International Day, the time available to rehearse on stage was limited. Senior Minori Saito, who helped organize the event with senior Thandiwe Jemwa, explained how being limited to two rehearsals forced the students to maximize their time.

“We rehearsed for lengthy hours, and everyone put in so much hard work to make this possible,” Saito said.

With only two run-throughs before the assembly, students were expected to prepare their performances and the accompanying music on their own time. Yet students performing on International Day weren’t the only ones who had their work cut out for them. Tech crew, lighting crew, and sound crew were just as involved.

“We are so, so grateful that [tech crew, lighting crew, and sound crew] were able to make it and be here. It definitely made everything run a lot smoother,” Saito said.

The teachers supervising International Day took little part in the production of the event, according to Saito.

“The only thing that [Mr. Zakrzewski] and Ms. Kaneda did was book the auditoriums for us,” Saito said. “It was entirely student run.”

Saito explains that she and Jemwa planned the rehearsal times, the scripts, and the lighting. 

Between the work put in by the organizers of the event and the students who performed, the student-led assembly continues this annual Haven tradition of International Day.

“More people should join International Day,” participant and freshman Siya Goindi said. “I’m looking forward to the next few years I perform.”