Second International Day returns

By Casey Bridge

Back in October, it was revealed that International Day would be one day, as compared to the regularly scheduled two days.  This would be the first year of a singular International day, which was upsetting to many students.

  After the news was delivered during a President’s meeting, many participants took it upon themselves to try to get the second performance day back. Over the past three months, the presidents have tried to find a way to plead their case for why a second day of dancing would make such a difference.

  The hard work paid off on Jan. 22, when four International Day dancers met with Ms. Anderson and Ms. Hanly.

  Tina Azizi, Div. 652, was one of those students who met with administration. She was extremely motivated and determined to have the extra day reinstated.

  “I think it was important to have two days of I-Days because of the impact it has on the school. It has a way of bringing everyone together,” Azizi said.

  As the president of Polynesian club, Azizi understands the amount of work that goes into the performance, which was another reason to have two days.

  “Clubs work tirelessly all year to perfect their dances, and one day would not be enough to properly showcase over 30 clubs,” Azizi said.

  To get this point across, Azizi, along with Logan Williams, Omar Vega, and Camila Cardona had to put Ms. Hanly’s and Ms. Anderson’s doubts to rest by assuring them that the event would be safe and would be a celebration of diversity, and would not get out of hand.

  There had to be an understanding between both the student representatives and administration.

  “We agreed to put a system in place that relies completely on presidents to keep their clubs in line,” Azizi said. “If anyone from a club gets in trouble, the entire club is automatically cut from I-days and I-nights — no exceptions. Some more subtle agreements were made that no one would sleep behind a booth, give shout-outs, etc.”

  The reception of this news has been overwhelmingly positive, and the participants looking forward to the upcoming shows. With just a month before the two-day, three-night event, both students and administration alike have high hopes to make this the best few days of the year!