'We Are Internationally Eastchester' Celebrates Diversity & Unity

On Saturday, May 30, Eastchester turned out once again for what is fast becoming one of the most anticipated—and inclusive—traditions on the school calendar.

We Are Internationally Eastchester—now in its fifth year—is an annual celebration of the individuals and groups that compose the greater Eastchester community, giving residents an opportunity to share foods, dances, crafts and customs from their cultures in an event that highlights Eastchester’s diversity as well as the common binds that tie the town together. 

Cara Dippolito, an EMS teacher who has served as the event’s organizer since its inception in 2021, explained that creating a space for residents to learn more about their neighbors has always been one of the chief goals of the day. 

“I think we have a fabulous connection with the different nationalities that make Eastchester the place that it is,” said Dippolito. “We had a really excellent turnout this year, and one aspect that is always very popular are the cultural tables we set up in the EMS cafeteria.

“People love to bring in their foods into a new setting and talk about why these dishes are culturally important to their families,” she added.

One popular addition to this year’s event was a community-based project done by eighth graders under the direction of EMS social studies teacher Kathleen Gallaher that saw the middle schoolers interview military veterans and highlight the stories of those heroes with special displays on Saturday.  Dippolito said that We Are Internationally Eastchester has always sought to include veterans groups in the day’s celebration, as the sacrifices made by service members continue to play a large role in the identity of the Eastchester community. 

“We had local veterans groups at our very first event in 2021 and due to various scheduling reasons, we haven’t always been able to keep that consistent,” she said. “But for me, personally, this project speaks volumes to the entire intention of the day.”

Dippolito added that the entire day was made possible through support of the administration and the volunteers who lent their time, services and expertise to the event. She said she hopes that We Are Internationally Eastchester will continue to serve as a celebration of the town and its residents for years to come. 

“It’s a really beautiful experience for the community,” said Dippolito. “I think it’s important to keep this as much as a tradition for Eastchester as possible.”

The EUFSD would like to thank the following groups/individuals for their contributions to another successful We Are Internationally Eastchester celebration:

 

Adam Chertok, Josephine Logan, Mary Leptak, Heather Reilly - supervision and event support

 

Community Members who donated supplies and ran their own cultural tables.

 

Pete Trapani's custodial staff - set up and breakdown of equipment

 

Student Maggie Hynes - National Anthem & Irish Table

 

High School Teacher Jean-Marie Woods-Ray - NASA / STEM Activities driven by student volunteers

 

Waverly Teacher Jen Batz - Waverly performances

 

Poison Ivy - Middle School Band - supported by the Tine and Trerotola Families

 

DeRosa Performing Arts Center - dance performances

 

Kathleen Gallaher and 8th Grade Students - Veterans' Presentation

 

Sara Simeon, Nicole Reardon, Samantha Larrea, Alisa Beer - EUFSD Art Teachers provided student work

 

Parents Kate Weiss & Hillory Sulkowski from Eastchester Cultural Celebration Committee and Mothers Out Front Composting Table

 

Heather Reilly & Claire Connolly for High School JazzCo.

 

Susan Christenson - Poetry Workshop

 

Stella Lorge and the Community Fund - Information Table and Community Support

 

Michael Keough - ArtsMobile Westchester - arts and crafts