OIS Talent Show and Food Street

March 29th was a big day for the OIS community. This day was full of cheers, good vibes, good music, and good food. We hosted the first ever “Food Street” of OIS history. That same day we also hosted the OIS talent show featuring around 24 acts. Many of which involved singing, playing an instrument, or dancing. This day was such an exciting event for all of OIS.

The food street fair was located right by the exam building on OIS campus. This food street featured cultural food from a variety of countries including Egypt, China, Brazil, Portugal, and Germany to name a few. There were around 25 countries featured in the food street. The OIS parents really stepped up and brought many delicious foods from many countries and outfitted their tables with flags and other fun things. I attended the fair and helped organize the fair as well. While I was there I noticed how all the tables had many people crowding around it. Some of the tables where I noticed a big number of OIS students was the China table and the US table. As someone who got to try many delicious foods there it was truly a delight and such a fun event that featured a little bit of culture from many different countries.

If the number of students that attended the fair said anything was that the event was truly a hit among the OIS student population. Even much of the OIS staff attended and ate delicious food as well. The excellence of the event caused the OIS parents to be inspired and to take the initiative to make an even bigger multicultural food event, which will take place May 6th.

As the food was before the talent show the spectators had full bellies ready to enjoy the show. Featuring over 20 acts. This show lasted about 2 hours. From the end of lunch to the end of the school day. The contestants included students from across many years. All the way from year 5s to year 13s. This included a range of genres from singing a very popular Coldplay song, to an incredible rap performance, to a heavy metal song performed by a year 13 band. Not only singers were featured but dances as well including an incredible dance performance from Thea McGooey. The talent show also included some special surprise guest performances from the staff. Mr. Cheira shocked many people as he came out on stage to do a beautiful Tango with his partner. To keep the crowd entertained Eduardo Empis one of the judge’s poked fun at one member of staff in particular, Ms. Castro. The panel of judges were all super supportive as well as entertaining which added to the fun of the event. As someone who helped plan this event I can tell you, dear readers, with full certainty that it took a very long time to plan, and it took a lot of work. Backstage and Short – Term Activities worked hand in hand with contestants, parents, Ms. Castro, and Ms. Domingas to execute this event.

Maybe one of the most fun things about this event was the fact that everyone could vote for their favorite act. While it was a close race there was only one winner. Third place went to Tessa Cuvilier (year 13) who performed the song Feeling Good. Second place went to Mathilde Elbert (year 7) who performed the song When I Was Your Man. And first place went to a year 10. Seth Barnes! He performed a dynamic rap song called When I Grow Up. The crowd was chanting his name as soon as he finished his performance. This award was certainly well deserving. I got the chance to interview him about the Talent Show. When asked about how it felt to win the talent show he said, “I felt very joyful and grateful to all of you for voting for me.” I also asked him about how long it took to prep for the Talent Show he said, “I have always liked that song but to learn all of the lyrics it took maybe a month.” He also mentioned how nervous he was but how it was such a fun experience. Now the question we are all wondering is now is whether he will perform another showstopping song next year at the Talent Show or will someone beat him. Only time will tell.