This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Schools

French American Fair Brings International Flair

Local kids showed off their talents—and fair-goers sampled international cuisine—at the annual festival.

When Amelia Getahun-Hawkins sang her version of Sarah Bareilles' Love Song, American Idol judges would have found it difficult to refuse her a spot in Hollywood. 

The 10-year-old student from The French American School of New Yorkin Larchmont was just one of the talented kids who took the stage Saturday afternoon during the annual spring fair, Kermesse

Similarly, nine-year-old Marc Andrew Robin played a mean violin, and the upper school rock band—managed by sports director Mike Taylor—proved to be more than just an ordinary garage band.  

With the weather cooperating— it didn't rain—an estimated 900 fairgoers were out in full force to enjoy all the fair had to offer. Bob Leonhardt, the head of the school, credited the "enthusiasm and passion" of the parents, students, and stellar volunteers for organizing the event. 

As co-chairs of the event, Habiba Boumlik and Régine Rey started their work on organizing the fair back in January. 

"I am very happy that the weather is cooperating," Boumlik said.  "We have plenty of food, plenty of volunteers, and many more people than we had last year."  

Parent and student volunteers were in full supply, manning tables and painting faces.  The culinary offerings were tres magnifique: beignets from Cameroon, quiche from France, paella from Spain, pizza from New York, and desserts that would make even the most faithful weight watcher violate his vows.  International families from 45 countries attend FASNY, and the international buffet seemed to represent every one of them.

Find out what's happening in Larchmont-Mamaroneckwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

In addition to the talent show and seemingly endless food supply, fairgoers were able to experience a giant slide, enjoyed by adults and children alike; have their faces painted; receive pony rides; learn about the police and fire departments; decorate cupcakes; receive henna tattoos—a very popular table—and delight in eating endless popcorn and cotton candy.  Games of chance were abundant and included Lance D'éponges/sponge toss, course à l'explosion/boom blaster, lancer de piecettes/coin & plate toss, and traiŕe la vache/milk the cow.

Thanks to the school's "Green Club," the Westchester County "Veggie Van" was a presence this year.  Retrofitted to run on used vegetable oil (biodiesel fuel) visitors were able to step inside the mobile classroom and watch DVDs on global warming, pollution, and alternative fuels.

According to Boumlik, this year an effort was made to include activities with older students in mind. Ninth-graders Romane Thomas,  Jacques Guyot, and Carla Bennahmias and tenth-grader Nicholas McCann, were among those sharing information and receiving donations for their October trip to Nicaragua, where, as part of the not-for-profit  "Bridges to Community" organization,  they will spend one week helping to build homes for needy families. 

The donations they received will help purchase bricks and building materials for use during their trip.  The students spoke of their affection for FASNY and how they are looking forward to their Nicaragua Project.

"We like this school," said Bennahmias. "It's small.  We know everyone and everyone knows us." 

Rising seniors Paul LeJamtel, Anna LaPomme, Jessica Anderson, and Elie Javice attended the fair despite having to prepare for the French Baccalaureate next week at Lycee Francais in New York City, and just having completed exams taken that morning.  

Find out what's happening in Larchmont-Mamaroneckwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

French wine was available for purchase through a fundraiser in honor of FASNY alumna Olivia Tucker.  Proceeds generated by the sale of the wine and a grant from the Ford Foundation will help assist students in need of financial aid.

Founded in 1980, FASNY offers a bilingual and bicultural education to a population of local American families, French expatriates, French-American families, and international families from 45 countries.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?