Garner Magnet High School celebrated cultures from around the world last week during the International Festival. Events like the Kids College and class projects about various countries helped make students more culturally aware at the school.

Teachers Amy Bennett and Sarah Cannon teamed up to head the project, recruiting help from several students clubs, including the Cultural Awareness Club.

Nearly 25 elementary students attended the Kids College on Monday and Tuesday at the high school, taking internationally-themed classes, like learning to do theater makeup and making Mexican God’s Eyes.

Junior Chardai McNeill said she volunteered to teach students the differences between cosmetics and theater makeup.

“It’s really fun because everything you’re doing in makeup has to be dramatic,” she said.

Juniors Alana Jones and Peta-Gaye Allen taught students to make Mexican God’s Eyes and played “Simon Says” with Spanish commands.

GMHS PTSA President Shalon Maxile said she was excited for the students to work with the community; it was a great experience for the elementary children to be exposed to cultures they wouldn’t learn about otherwise.

She said it was also a great way to get the young students thinking about college now, rather than waiting until they go to middle or high school.

For the past four years, the Kids College has been extended to middle school students. However, Bennett said this year’s change up was a way to branch out into the community further and bring the old and new together.

During the project exhibit Thursday and Friday, more than 50 tables lined the high school’s gym with tri-fold posters and activities about different cultures from around the world.

“Our job is at least to make people aware,” Bennett said.

That’s just what happened. Students decorated the school and the Foreign Language Department handed out goodie bags during the week.

Foreign films were also shown.

Soon, Bennett and Cannon will be planning next year’s event.

Bennett said it is a lot of fun and she hopes to see more students and community members get involved next year.