Earlier this month, Brywood Elementary celebrated art, food and fashions from all over the world during the school's seventh annual BryWorld Culture Festival, which attracted scores of Irvine families. While the IUSD NewsFlash couldn't be there in person, the Orange County Register covered the event. And Teresa Vejsicky, a parent who helped coordinate, offered up this recap:
On Friday, May 6, Brywood's blacktop was transformed into a festival of food tastings, face-painting, culturally diverse performances and community sponsored raffles. The festival is Brywood's way of opening our minds to the beauty and treasures each culture has to offer. Many cultures make up Brywood, and the festival is the chance to take part while traveling locally within our school community.
The festival served over 10,000 food samples represented by 19 different cultures. Old World Kettle Korn and Ray's Hawaiian Lil’ Shavers donated a percentage of their sales to Brywood PTA. The annual event also included crafts, a cake walk and obstacle-course games.Stage performances were kicked off with a flag ceremony by the Boy Scouts and Webelos 1 Cub Scouts, and second-grader Whitney Maynard singing the National Anthem. The Parade of Nations Show featured 47 of Brywood’s very own students dressed in traditional costumes. Performances featured music and dancing that showcased cultures from China/Taiwan, Hawaii/Tahiti, India, Europe, the Philippines and the United States. ATA Taekwondo did a martial arts demo and invited eager students to break boards. The stage show culminated with the Brywood staff production of an African-themed dance, choreographed and performed by Natalie Glassford-Edwards with Principal Christine Amoroso, Laurene Swancoat and Freddi Siegel, dedicated to Brywood’s sixth-grade class of 2011 for their generous donation of the sound system.
The event was made possible by the Brywood PTA, along with other parent and student volunteers. Irvine High School’s Comedy Sportz club assisted on stage, while students from Northwood High volunteered at various booths. Enjoyed by Brywood community, friends, and families, all festival proceeds directly benefit Brywood students.
