Each spring, the LPA sponsors International Night, an evening event that allows families to “tour” the world, sample food, participate in craft projects, and enjoy live entertainment. The 2021 event was converted to International Day, which provided the students with an opportunity to celebrate countries and cultures during the school day.

International Day took place on April 22 and kicked off with the Parade of Nations, a Lamplighter tradition that officially signals the opening of the annual cultural celebration. Students in Pre-K through third grade assembled around the Lamplighter playground early in the morning to watch the Seniors in the iconic parade. Members of the Lamplighter Class of 2021 donned country sashes and carried flags while bagpiper Don Shannon led the parade around the playground and around the Murray Swain Ring Road.

Students returned to their classrooms to enjoy various activities and lessons related to International Day. In advance of the event, LPA parent volunteers provided a myriad of resources, including instructional videos, for teachers to share with students in their classrooms throughout the day. The countries featured in the LPA resources included Argentina, Brazil, Costa Rica, Denmark, Greece, India, Iran, Panama, Romania, Sweden, Thailand, and the United Kingdom. At the end of the day, students left school with new knowledge of these unique countries and an appreciation for the distinct cultures both within the Lamplighter community and beyond.