MHS International Club Hosts Second Annual "Friendsgiving" Celebration: An Afterschool Celebration of Culture, Community, and Connection
The International Club at Mansfield High School (MHS) hosted its second annual "Friendsgiving" event on November 26th, just before Thanksgiving break, bringing together students and teachers alike for a vibrant, family-style potluck celebration. The after school gathering, organized by the club’s student members and overseen by club administrators Nicole Lynch and Zelia Pinto, showcased a broad and multicultural array of student-prepared, homemade, and authentic dishes from Brazil to Haiti to Jamaica to Portugal and more, with each dish representing a piece in the mosaic of cultural identities within our school community.
The cuisine-centric celebration provided a unique opportunity to recognize cultural exchange through food while fostering a sense of community, belonging, and inclusivity as the room crowded up, platters emptied, recipes were exchanged, and rich, curiosity-forward conversation filled the space. The tapestry of dishes below, contributed by students and staff, brought to the table the deeply rooted and flavorful food traditions of their own personal cultures:
Mini Empadinhas (Brazil) – Savory, bite-sized pastry pockets filled with seasoned meats.
Pão de Queijo (Brazil) – Warm, cheesy gluten-free bread rolls.
Jollof Rice (Nigeria) – A fragrant, spiced rice dish with tomato, onions, and peppers.
Puff Puff (Nigeria) – Sweet, deep-fried dough balls, golden and crispy on the outside.
Pikliz (Haiti) – A spicy, tangy, pickled vegetable relish.
Fritay (Haiti) – Fried plantains, spicy pork, and other savory sides.
Gratiné (Haiti) – A cheesy, layered potato casserole.
Pâté (Haiti) – A flaky pastry filled with savory meat or vegetables.
Beef and Potato Empanadillas (Puerto Rico) – Savory turnovers with a seasoned meat and potato filling.
Kotlet (Iran) – Flavorful patties made from ground turkey, grated potatoes, onions, and spices, pan-fried to perfection.
Baklava (Egypt) – Flaky pastry layered with honey and nuts, drizzled in syrup.
Vegetable Samosas & Chutney (India) – Crispy, triangular pastries filled with spiced vegetables, served with tangy tamarind and vibrant green chutney for dipping.
Mini Cheesecakes on Lebkuchen Cookies with Apricot Compote (Germany) – A fusion of rich cheesecake and spiced Lebkuchen cookies.
Samosas (Pakistan) – Spicy, crispy pockets filled with potatoes and peas.
Fried Sweet Plantains (Jamaica) – Caramelized and crispy sweet plantains.
Flan (Portugal) – A creamy, silky caramel custard
Each and every featured dish was thoughtfully prepared and shared with a sense of pride amongst friends and found family, reflecting the commitment of the International Club and its members to build a stronger sense of community, support, and understanding among students and staff from all backgrounds. Friendsgiving has also served as a prelude to the International Club’s hallmark celebration of the year—International Night, set for May 2025 next year. More details about that exciting event will be shared as the date approaches. The International Club meets around twice a month, and students are encouraged to get involved in future events that further promote inclusivity and cultural awareness.
About International Club - The International Club is a student-led organization that celebrates diversity, cultural exchange, and global understanding through club meetings, events, activities, and initiatives. With a focus on creating an inclusive environment for all students, the club serves as a space for sharing traditions, building connections, and exploring the richness of different cultures.
Article and photos by Matthew Henry
