MLWGS organizes an International Language Fair annually to unite students from various cultures. The fair allows students to display their traditions, cultures, languages, foods, and many more engaging and exciting activities. It also allows students to understand each other and respect every language, culture, and tradition introduced.

For the 2023 International Language Fair, preparations started in October. The leadership team regularly met during lunch to discuss the event’s organization. A website was designed, and emails were sent to middle schools from 12 districts near Maggie Walker to ensure maximum participation. Once emails were sent, the registration process started, and leaders started collecting workshop ideas. Next, the team finalized activity plans and sent confirmation emails to attendees. Finally, the recruiting day of volunteers was decided, and everyone was sorted into workshops. This highly involved undertaking was possible because of the amazing teamwork and dedication of the volunteers. As team member Katie Hollister shared, “On the evening before the event, we compiled a check-in spreadsheet, made individualized name tags, sorted out technology logistics, and prepared some of the food. Without the help of our workshop leaders, volunteers, language teachers, and International Language Fair Leadership Committee, this event wouldn’t have been as successful as it was!”

The International Language Fair ended up being an organized and interactive event that allowed every student to participate. It was very easy for students to attend because they could simply fill out a Google form and use the online payment system on the website. The event was published on Maggie Walker’s website to ensure language teachers of middle schools would know and inform their students about it. On the topic of middle school outreach, Katie Hollister added, “This year, we were adamant about contacting all schools, no matter the size, location, or whether it was private or public, as the Fair is a fantastic opportunity for all students to get a taste of international languages and cultures, no matter their background.”

In total, it took five months to plan the event. After the 2022 International Language Fair, the team considered everything that could be improved for the fair of 2023. To make it a successful event, various skills were required, such as problem-solving, planning, communication, and creativity. Therefore, the planning for the 2024 Fair is already in progress.

The 2023 International Language Fair was a huge success because the team was able to introduce a workshop for every language offered at Maggie Walker. More than 100 students participated in the event, which means more than 100 young minds are now educated about different languages. The hard work of volunteers, participants, and workshop leaders is the reason behind the huge success of the annual occasion.