TEA’s First International Food Festival

TEA celebrated its first International Food Festival on April 23, courtesy of 10th grader Lola Slatt. Here’s what she has to say about planning the event:

What meal is important in your family? Is it tamales that your grandparents used to make for the holidays, drive-through Raising Canes after a soccer game? Is it a special recipe created to accommodate food allergies? Food is more than just fuel for our bodies. Food can carry and create memories, share a piece of who we are, provide comfort to those in need, and even bring people closer together.

My name is Lola Slatt and I am a 10th grade student at Tahoe Expedition Academy. I am a part of a family comprised of many different ethnicities, religions, and cultures. During the holidays, my family’s Chrismukkah table (Christmas-Hanukkah) is overflowing with food from all over the world. Christmas ham, sushi, latkes, and lumpia are just some of my favorites to eat before opening presents and lighting candles. There is joy in seeing my diverse family and friends come together to share and enjoy food that is special to each person. At a time when our society can feel very polarized, it is important to remember that what makes us unique has the strength to bring us closer together. I felt that an International Food Festival at TEA would create this opportunity for our community.

I am so thankful for the amazing faculty at TEA that gives students like me the opportunity to do wonderful things and create an impact on our community. I want to say thank you to the grandparents, parents and students that participated by providing delicious food for the event. Thank you to Jules for helping me with the surveys and posters, and Oliver for being a fantastic DJ. Finally, thank you to all the students who tried something new or enjoyed some of their favorite foods.

Hopefully, the International Food Festival will continue to grow and become a TEA tradition. Everyone has a culture that deserves to be shared. I’m excited that next year I will get the opportunity to eat food from yours.

Much love,

Lola Slatt