The atmosphere at Pine Bush High School cafeteria was festive as upwards of 150 students and family members in the English as a New Language (ENL) program gathered for the annual potluck dinner.

Each family contributed a favorite homemade dish or dessert native to their country of origin. Those countries included China, Haiti, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica and many more.

The food, conversation and smiles were plentiful as Cathy Aller, ENL leader for the district, welcomed everyone to the gathering.

“We are fortunate and glad to come together tonight, a show of strength in our program,” said Aller about the program that services students who are learning to become proficient in English.

Behind her were resource tables for the adults, providing information on free English classes, affordable health care and technology resources children can use at home.

Parent information packets, provided by the state Office of Bilingual

Educational materials were also available.

Younger kids had fun having their faces painted and photos taken.

In addition to the food and camaraderie, the highlight of the evening was a special video shown to the group. It contained conversations between current ENL students and former ones who have graduated and are now either in college or working.

“We are hoping that the graduates will encourage and inspire our ENL students and their parents,” said Aller, noting that when these graduates first entered elementary school in Pine Bush they could not speak English. “Now they are all pursuing higher education or careers.”

In the video, some of the children asked the graduates what advice they would give to the new current ENL students.

“Never give up!” answered one young woman.

“This is a time of laughter and conversations but mostly it is a time to celebrate,” said Aller of the evening. “We celebrate our students’ cultures and their academic successes. We believe in their dreams too. Together we can make it happen.”