MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan — Edgren Middle High School recently celebrated International Unity Day with a variety of activities highlighting students’ globalism, heritage and cultural learning.

Events included a “find the flag” competition and themed dress-up days. The week concluded on Dec. 6 with a special six-period day featuring an international breakfast and a unity pep rally.

During the shared breakfast in the school’s Community Commons, students enjoyed a menu far from traditional eggs and bacon. Dishes included Moroccan msemmen, Mexican pork and chicken tamales, Ashkenazi Jewish bagels with cream cheese, German zwiebelkuchen, Japanese yakisoba and Italian biscotti.

Throughout the day, Edgren faculty, staff, and Misawa Air Base residents gave presentations about their cultures.

Athletics teacher Mark Ganeb introduced Guam, sharing details about its Chamorro culture, villages, cuisine and influences from Spanish and Japanese traditions. He highlighted popular dishes such as latiya, kelaguen and Chamorro bisteak.

Misawa Air Base resident Alain Mukendi discussed growing up in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He spoke about the country’s rich musical heritage, including the creation of African jazz in the 1950s, which influenced music globally. Mukendi played African drums and invited students to try them.

Daniel Caballero, who was raised in Panama and Puerto Rico, discussed the cultural diversity of both regions. He highlighted Panama’s natural beauty and its cultural melting pot of African, American Indian, North American and Spanish influences. Caballero also described Puerto Rico’s vibrant traditions, such as bomba dance, festivals and colorful murals.

Math teacher Olivia Erickson spoke about South Korea, emphasizing its cultural milestones such as the celebration of an infant’s first 100 days and ancestral rites during holidays like Seollal and Chuseok. She also highlighted the significance of traditional clothing (hanbok) and specific holiday foods, including rice cakes (dduk).

Student-teacher Kristina Adams presented on Russia, discussing the country’s unique blend of Slavic, Byzantine, Mongol and Western European influences. She described Russian holidays such as Maslyanitsa, which celebrates the end of winter with pancakes symbolizing the sun, and Ivan Kupalo, marked by picnics and fireworks.

Former substitute teacher Anne Apaul Caballero introduced Filipino culture, emphasizing the country’s family-oriented traditions and religious celebrations. She discussed Filipino cuisine, including street foods like balut, and highlighted the country’s excellence in sports such as martial arts and boxing.

Airman Nadiyah Tolliver shared about Tanzania, where Swahili is the official language. She described Tanzanian holidays, such as Independence Day on Dec. 9 and Saba Saba, which commemorates the founding of the Tanganyika African National Union. Tolliver also highlighted traditional Tanzanian dishes like ugali, a starchy paste served with meat stew.

Math teacher Amanda Cook and Dr. Hisae Johnson introduced Japanese culture, sharing the country’s national holidays and festivals, including Shōgatsu, Golden Week, and the Bon festival. They also discussed traditional sports like sumo wrestling and martial arts, including kenpō, judo, and kendo. Johnson demonstrated kenpō techniques, while Cook taught students to make origami flowers.

The day concluded with a pep rally incorporating Japanese culture. Martial arts demonstrations included kenpō, led by Sensei Hisamoto, and judo, where Principal Terrance Cobb participated in an opening throwdown. Students also showcased kendo, the samurai swordsmanship tradition, emphasizing its role in building character.

International Week highlighted the rich diversity of Edgren’s community, fostering cultural understanding and appreciation among students and staff.

Misawa Air Base