On November 13, nearly 650 scholars and family members gathered at Cleveland Heights High School to celebrate the culmination of our Northeast Ohio global learning curriculum at ODA’s eleventh annual International Festival.
Visitors received passports at the door and collected stamps as they explored research displays spanning the ancient world to modern cultures. Elementary scholars from Breakthrough Woodland Hills shared their discoveries about Göbekli Tepe, believed to be one of the world’s first temples. A few steps away, Max S. Hayes High School students explained early Chinese Shang dynasty calligraphy.
As families listened, they were invited to sample dishes from around the world. Orchard STEM elementary scholars served guests attiéké, a fermented cassava staple from West Africa. Scholars from Garrett Morgan High School introduced the Korean rice cake dish tteokbokki. Breakthrough Midtown middle schoolers prepared Indian chana masala. These dishes were made possible through partnerships with restaurants and food providers across Cleveland’s culinary scene, who collaborated with scholars to bring global recipes to life.
The six-week curriculum also included rehearsals for a final performance featuring original skits like “A Day on Mount Olympus,” cultural dances from Samoa and Thailand, and a K–Pop piano solo of “Golden” that brought the audience to its feet.
Supporting the evening were volunteers from AAA Auto Club Enterprises, serving food, guiding families, and lifting the energy of all those present with their enthusiasm.
The International Festival is a flagship ODA experience – a celebration of learning, teamwork, global curiosity, and a moment for scholars to shine.
