TFS Celebrates International Day 2026

From Brazil to the Bahamas, from Poland to Panama, from Spain to Serbia, from China to the Czech Republic, TFS students transformed the theater into a vibrant celebration of global culture on one of the most beloved days of the year—International Day. Through food, music, dance, sports, holidays, family traditions, geography, climate, history, religion, and more, students shared the stories and spirit of their home countries.

Int'l Day 2026

Students representing more than 30 nations proudly presented their flags before taking the stage. Serving as Masters of Ceremony were Versean “Bushy” Turnquest of Nassau, Bahamas; Harrison Goldfine of Dillard, Georgia; Laura Rendon Ruiz of San Pedro de Alcantara, Spain; and Axl Magadia of Antipolo City, Philippines. Their humor, enthusiasm, and natural chemistry kept the audience engaged as they introduced each country with warmth and energy.

This year, several students also involved their families in the celebration. Turnquest’s family offered a virtual tour of the Bahamas, showcasing their home, island life, culture, and food.

Ana Berron Tiessen of Madrid, Spain, was one of twenty-two students representing Spain. “We had the opportunity to show people how we really are,” she said. Simon Gainzarain Hernando of Vigo, Spain, searched for an English word to describe what he hoped classmates would notice in their performance. Berron Tiessen quickly offered one: “Divertidos,” she said—fun.

For Berron Tiessen, the experience strengthened friendships among the Spanish students, but it meant even more. “We all connected because we were sharing our cultures,” she said. “Watching the Serbians sing and the girls from Vietnam dance, being together and cheering for each other, and seeing ways that we are different, yet the same, was really great.”

Crystal Ngo of Long Xuyen, Vietnam, and Kelly Nguyen of Orange Park, Florida, wowed the audience with a presentation combining music, video, dance, and a live TikTok-style tour of Vietnam. Ngo, who described herself as shy, smiled as she reflected, “Kelly convinced me to do it. It was so fun. I created such good memories.”

Upper school counselor Rainen Cantrell led the organization of the event. “Something really special happens as students prepare for International Day,” she said. “You see confidence grow, and a real sense of pride in who they are and where they come from. It brings our international students to the forefront in a meaningful way, but it also impacts all of our students, fostering curiosity and connection across cultures. It truly becomes more than a show; it’s a moment where our whole community grows together.”