News
The John Cooper Upper School Annual International Celebration
The John Cooper School recently transformed its campus into a vibrant celebration of global culture, bringing students, families, and community partners together for a month of immersive, multicultural experiences. From international flags to flavorful food, the event offered students a rich opportunity to explore the world and connect—without ever leaving The Woodlands.
The celebration began with an International Flag Parade, as Upper School students proudly carried flags representing each student’s own personal family background. This powerful visual celebration underscores our School’s cultural diversity and commitment to global awareness.
Adding flavor and tradition to the celebration, Cooper parents brought in homemade dishes for two ethnic food buffets and led live cooking demonstrations. They prepared beloved recipes from their countries of origin while sharing personal stories and cultural significance behind each dish. The festivities continued with a dynamic cultural assembly, featuring student-led performances and organizations presenting music, dance, and traditions from around the world. Together, these experiences give students a deeper appreciation for global customs and the power of cultural storytelling.
The celebration culminated in the inaugural Cooper Community Food Fair that spotlighted international cuisine and local partnerships. Students had the chance to sample signature dishes from community-area restaurants, many of which are owned by Cooper families and alumni. Each vendor generously donated more than food; they shared their time as well as the histories and traditions that shaped their menus, helping students understand the connection between culture, identity, and cuisine.
This collaborative day exemplifies The John Cooper School’s mission to nurture lifelong learners, promote respect for diversity, and cultivate responsible global citizenship. By engaging students through hands-on, community-driven experiences, the School continues to bring its values to life both in and beyond the classroom.
Thank You to Our Community Partner Restaurants:
- Amerigo’s Grille Upscale Italian cuisine with seasonal ingredients. 25250 Grogan’s Park Drive, The Woodlands, TX 77380
- Amrina Eclectic Indian-leaning. 3 Waterway Square Place #100, The Woodlands, TX 77380
- Ananda Rasoi Vegetarian Indian cuisine. 7601 S. Forestgate Drive, The Woodlands, TX 77382
- Avila Flavors & Experiences Latin-inspired experiences, artisanal café and catering. 26131 Kuykendahl Rd, Suite #201, Tomball, TX 77375
- Loqum Grill Mediterranean Authentic Turkish cuisine. 3707 College Park Dr, Suite 400, The Woodlands, TX 77384
- Odd Fellows Ice Cream Small Batch Ice Cream, reinvented. 1900 Lake Woodlands Drive, Suite 350, The Woodlands, TX 77380
- Paris Baguette Neighborhood Bakery Café. 2501 Research Forest Dr, The Woodlands, TX 77381
- Spanish Flowers Cocina Mexicana Authentic Mexican Cuisine.
1201 Lake Woodlands Dr, Suite 304, The Woodlands, TX 77380
- Wunsche Bros Café & Saloon American fare in historical haunted landmark. 103 Midway St, Spring, TX 77373
“Through this celebration, we wove stronger connections with our diverse community, showing that our students are not only part of The Woodlands — they’re deeply engaged with the world. We’re nurturing globally minded, curious, and courageous learners who seek wisdom through experience. This event was just one expression of a deeper philosophy that lives beyond the day itself,” said Marivi Mata, Upper School World Languages Department Chair at The John Cooper School. “We are particularly proud of our International Club students and leaders who organized, planned, and led these activities. We are grateful for the parents and community partners who made this possible.”
This annual event exemplifies the values of The John Cooper School: academic excellence, mutual respect, global citizenship, and a strong sense of community. By introducing students to the multicultural richness of The Woodlands through food, the event deepened their appreciation for cultural heritage, built curiosity, and fostered meaningful connections beyond the classroom.
The mission of The John Cooper School is to provide a challenging education in a caring environment to a diverse group of select students, enabling them to become critical and creative thinkers, effective communicators, responsible citizens and leaders, and lifelong learners.
Source: The John Cooper School
