North Lamar High School World History students of Mr. Dennis Hodgkiss recently hosted their annual World Cultural Fair, a long-standing tradition that has been part of NLHS for more than 35 years.
Mr. Hodgkiss, who first introduced the event, explained his inspiration: “Science has Science Fairs, band has concerts—I wanted a way for others to see what history students are learning in class.”
For the project, students selected a country to study either individually or in groups and immersed themselves in its culture. Over the past several weeks, they researched traditions, customs, holidays, celebrations, government, religion, food, farming, economy, and transportation. Their work culminated in creative presentations displayed on poster boards or Chromebooks, with many students also preparing authentic foods, dressing in traditional clothing, and bringing props to showcase their country.
On Cultural Fair Day, students from other classes and visiting parents traveled “around the world” by exploring each booth, sampling foods, and engaging with presenters during first and second periods. This year, Mrs. Joyce Dzenowski’s Other Foreign Language Class joined in the festivities, adding to the diverse lineup of presentations.
The Cultural Fair continues to be a highlight for both students and the community, offering an interactive way to learn about global cultures without leaving campus. Mr. Hodgkiss’ classes will keep the tradition alive in the spring with a Renaissance Fair, where students will once again bring history to life through costumes, props, and performances.
