CHEERS TO 30 YEARS! NAPA INTERNATIONAL DINNER

On January 20, 2023, the Newark Academy Parents Association (NAPA) hosted the 30th annual International Dinner in the William G. Wrightson Gymnasium, with the event’s largest turnout to date.

The International Dinner showcases cultural performances and food from across the globe through a potluck-style dinner for students, faculty, staff, parents, family and friends. This year’s event featured newly added “Cultural Shares” rooms in and near Kaltenbacher Hall, which presented artifacts, activities, decorations and demonstrations from a variety of cultures. The event was created in 1992 by former Upper School languages teacher Dr. Teresa Anta San Pedro (mother of Director of Immersion Experiences María Teresa McNeillyAnta ’93) and former School Counselor Susan Marcus. It has been held every year since, except in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I have always believed that the beauty of the world comes from our differences, not our similarities,” says Teresa. “If we were all alike, we would have a very boring existence. We have much to learn from each other.”

MORE PHOTOS!

Scan the QR code to view more photos celebrating 30 years of the NAPA International Dinner.

A. Newark Academy students, parents, faculty, staff and friends celebrate and share their cultures at the 30th annual International Dinner in 2023.

B. Newark Academy parents celebrated their ethnic backgrounds through newly added “Cultural Shares” rooms during this year’s International Dinner.

C. The first-ever International Dinner was featured in the January 19, 1992 issue of The Star-Ledger.

D. Brad McNeilly, Isabela McNeilly-Anta ’23, Justa Hernandez García, Dr. Teresa Anta San Pedro, Kennedy McNeilly-Anta ’20 and Director of Immersion Experiences María Teresa McNeilly-Anta ’93 at the 2005 International Dinner.