PUTTING RUMORS TO A REST.

On Friday, April 22, participating clubs joined together to share and expose students to the various cultures at Polytechnic High School for the annual Intercultural Faire—thus ending Poly’s annual Intercultural Week. Long-standing clubs including Red Cross, Key Club, and JROTC participate every year, though new clubs such as Kendama Club contributing to this faire was a refreshing treat. Every year, clubs have the opportunity to submit an application to participate in the Intercultural Faire, whether it be through a booth to sell food, or through a live performance on the rally stage. Clubs performing consisted of Drama Club’s Carrying the Banner performance, meant to promote the upcoming musical The Millennium Musical. Staff Band performed rock music, Fellow Christian Athletes performing jazz music, METS/Patrick Duong with a musical interpretation, Black Student Union’s Ode to Africa, The First Bite musical dance performances, Soul of K-Pop’s musical dance performances, and Pacific Islander Club’s dances from the islands of the Pacific. The point of the faire is to share Poly’s unique and varying cultures. “We didn’t publicize the performances enough, and they’re what people enjoy the most. Many people didn’t even know there were performances,” said Tiger Khou, member of Student Commission. Immediately after the bell rang for the faire to start, a massive line formed at the main entrance for students that had an “early-out” slip to leave school early. “When I walked into school and saw the line at the attendance office, I thought the new iPhone dropped or something. I think some of the people getting early outs didn’t want to attend the faire because of financial constrictions. The school might have to find a way to make the faire enjoyable for people who don’t want to buy tickets,” said senior Jeffery Akuamoah-Boateng. An anonymous student stated, “We thought it’d be better to spend money on outside food. Being seniors, we weren’t too interested anymore. Plus, we had plans to work on a poster for prom.” That’s not to say that the Intercultural Faire is losing its charm. Akuamoah-Boateng argued, “I decided to stay at the faire because it has been an enriching and rewarding experience for the last four years here at Poly. It may seem like the “cool” thing to do to leave, but I think it’s even cooler to be exposed to different cultures and foods, and enjoy the experience with your friends.” There are rumors spreading around campus that this is the last Intercultural Faire. Khou stated, “They’re just rumors. We just discussed the possibility of making the faire open to outsiders.” Overall, the students and staff that helped make this annual event happen should be recognized for their help—Student Commission specially recognizes ROTC for being a major help that day.