On Tuesday, October 25 the American Field Service Committee (AFS) hosted a lunch to introduce to the school senior Vlado Vojdanovski, the year’s AFS exchange student. Vojdanovski came for the start of the school year from Macedonia, a European country north of Greece between Albania and Bulgaria.

Students from across the grades in the Upper School, along with teachers and his exchange “parents,” attended the lunch in the Humanities Center, coming in to chat, meet Vojdanovski, and taste some Eastern European cuisine. In the background, Macedonian music played through the speakers, and the air smelled of cheese pastries and thick breads.

About fifty people showed up for the event.

In the two months he has been at Parker, Vojdanovski has participated in various school activities, so many of the attendees were already acquainted with him.  “Vlado is on the robotics team,” sophomore Olivia Garg said, “so a lot of us are here to cheer him on.” 

Sophomore Audrey Shadle expressed a similar sentiment.  “I’m here because Vlado is on the Cross Country team, and he’s super fun, and a great addition,” Shadle said. “I thought it would be really cool to come to get a taste of his culture, and learn a little more about him.”

Another sophomore, Annette Njei, likewise wanted to learn.  “I don’t really know a lot about Macedonia as a country,” Njei said, “so I wanted to come here to educate myself and make myself more aware.”

According to the committee’s Student Government bylaws, Parker’s AFS seeks both to help Vojdanovski learn about Parker, Chicago, and America in general, and to provide opportunities for Parker students and staff to learn about a new culture.

One of the heads of the committee, senior Henry Holtz spoke about planning the event. “We’ve been working on the details for a few weeks, and it turned out flawlessly,” he said. “The music, the people, the food are awesome.”

Vojdanovski has enjoyed his time at Parker so far. “The luncheon was very nice,” Vojdanovski said, “and I got to see very many happy faces all around me, which made me feel great.”

Throughout the lunch, he joked and laughed with attendees.  “My classes have been great,” he said.  “I like all my teachers. I have to say that because I want A’s.”

The next event that will allow the community to learn about Macedonian culture will be the Morning Ex Vojdanovski will hold in November.