'We Are Internationally Eastchester' a Hit with the Community

Inclement weather did little to dampen the community’s spirit on Saturday, as families flocked to Eastchester Middle School to participate in the fourth-annual “We Are Eastchester” event. 

Since 2022, the “We Are Eastchester” event has served as a celebration of civic pride and unity, bringing people together to celebrate Eastchester’s vibrant community. This year, the event took on an even more inclusive tone, as organizers collaborated with EMS language teachers Josephine Logan and Mary Leptak to combine it with the popular "EMS International Night" event. 

“We had previously thought about combining the two events, but it was initially tricky due to timing,” said “We Are Eastchester” organizer Cara Dippolito. “When we first started our event, International Night was still on pause due to Covid, but after they brought it back, we felt like there was a lot of overlap between the two, which are both about community, celebrating culture, and welcoming newer families into the district.”

Leptak concurred, noting that the themes of both events aligned nicely. 

“We are fortunate to have a diverse yet cohesive community. It is really beautiful to showcase all that makes us Eastchester,” said Leptak. “Students, parents, teachers and community uniting is truly what makes us special. Thank you to everyone who makes our events a success.”

Saturday’s celebration featured live performances in both the auditorium and the EMS cafeteria, featuring students in grades K-12, including members of Waverly On-Stage, Jazz Co., and various school musical ensembles. In addition to student performers, the day also featured a rousing dance recital by a group from Hispanic Culture Arts, a White Plains-based organization aimed at fostering creativity, discovery and connection through Classical Hispanic Arts education.

Youngsters also had a chance to participate in relay races and other games run by A-Game Sports in the EMS main gymnasium. Tables featuring various international foods and activities run by community volunteers filled the cafeteria, allowing attendees to take something of a virtual trip around the globe. 

“Since we’ve started, we have had consistent volunteers who participate each year, but this year we had several new families representing different international cultures who wanted to be involved as well,” said Dippolito. “And I think that having it inside really helped with the flow of the event, funneling everyone into the cafeteria.”

Dippolito credited Logan and Leptak for their tireless effort in making the day a success and said that  Saturday’s event proved to organizers that this celebration is a smash hit regardless of where it is held, as the sense of togetherness shines through no matter the venue. 

“I want to thank all of the volunteers, and of course the Board of Education, the Cultural Celebration Committee and the PTA Council for all of the support we received,” said Dippolito. “They are all paramount to the success of this event.”