International Week 2024 Recap

Students and Employees Come Together in a Festive Homecoming Week and Stunning Parade Showcasing a School Community Made Up of Over 80 Cultures

Indianapolis, IN - September 23, 2024

From September 14 to 20, the International School of Indiana (ISI) celebrated its International Week with a burst of color, cultural pride, and school spirit. This annual tradition, established in 2019, highlights the school's rich heritage while also raising funds for Upper School clubs and their philanthropic initiatives. It has become one of ISI's signature events, celebrating the past, present, and future of the school community. 

The week was off to an energetic start, with students participating in different spirit days, proudly displaying their pride in ISI, their language tracks, their Houses, and this year’s Tropical homecoming theme. One of the most memorable highlights of the week was the Timmy Club Color Run, which served as a fundraiser for Timmy Global Health. Students in grades 4 through 12 came together in an exciting and colorful afternoon to raise over $2,000 for Timmy Global Health! 

On Tuesday, ISI parent Darren Ho moderated an All School Panel on Internationalism in Indiana, which featured the stories of ISI community members Ana María Faget, Ashish Kalgaonkar, and David Kosene. The three panelists shared stories of how internationalism within their own families and community has impacted them throughout their lives and careers, providing important insight for our Upper School students, employees, and families. 

Throughout the week, students participated in different spirit days to celebrate ISI and internationalism, including a 1994 Day to celebrate the school’s 30th anniversary by dressing like they were from the 90s! 

The pinnacle of the International Week was the International Parade & Festival held on Friday afternoon. Students, faculty, and staff took to the track, carrying flags representing their native nations and wearing attire emblematic of their unique backgrounds. With over 80 flags, it was an impressive display of cultural pride and unity.

Following the Parade, the International Festival kicked off, offering an array of carnival-style games, concessions, and food trucks featuring international cuisine. Upper School students and clubs hosted game and activity booths, which not only added to the festivities but also served as a fundraising effort for the clubs. Lower School students had a chance to participate in various activities, including games like Can Knock-Down, Bag Toss, and Face Painting, as well as a bounce house, obstacle course, and photo booth. The Upper School clubs collectively raised over $3,500 through their booths!

The success of International Week would not have been possible without the incredible support from the ISI community, particularly the ISI Parent Association (PA) and its dedicated parent volunteers. The PA not only donated their time and effort to ensure the event ran smoothly, but they also enhanced this year’s festival by sponsoring a bounce house, obstacle course, and photo booth. 

For those who attended this event, the memories are not lost. A commemorative photo gallery has been made available to relive the colorful and diverse celebration. With energizing spirit days, an exuberant Parade, and a festival that gave our community time to relax and spend time together, International Week is a Homecoming to remember.