February Banquet

Earlier this month the Sahel Student Council held a banquet for the entire school community. My girls are always THRILLED when the elementary students are included in the "fancy" banquets! They love dressing up and usually max out my meager jewelry collection and hair styling skills with the grand creations they have envisioned. Tom wasn't quite as excited about the dressing up bit (specifically tucking in his shirt!), but he went anyway because Ian and I were recruited to help. We all had a lot of fun!

This year the theme was Paris (note the Eiffel Tower in the background)...
The outside tables with the small lights twinkling made a very elegant setting. The food and its presentation were, Parisian-like, a big part of the evening. A delicious dinner was prepared with lots of special touches from elaborate vegetable garnishes and savory sauces, to a full boulangerie, and desert plates swirled elegantly with chocolate. Ian presided as one of the "chefs" for the evening, carving meat in the buffet line. During dinner, the student council hosted a talent show showcasing lots of student fun. Here are some of the kindergartners enjoying their evening together. (Tom is in the light blue shirt.)Afterward, the students had the opportunity to learn to waltz or watch a movie. The girls were very enthusiastic about waltzing, though they did confine their partners to the fairer sex. That didn't seem to bother the elementary boys any though, as the majority of them were watching the movie! :)
As always after events such as this, I am thankful for Sahel Academy and the fun things they plan for the students so they can have experiences and learn skills outside of the academic box (like manners and dancing!). I am also very thankful for our community, especially the older students who are so willing to include and tangibly care for the younger ones.