As part of last year’s school year, Parkland High School celebrated World Language Week from Feb. 27 through March 3.

Geared toward promoting acceptance and increasing global awareness, world language week celebrates the diversity of Parkland students while also promoting language learning.

The week’s events included an after-school Mardi Gras party, a cultural dress day, and restaurant night with friends and family.

To kick off the week, the school’s cafeteria was transformed into an international food experience, transporting guests around the world with the tastes, smells, sights and sounds from an array of countries.

Also part of the festivities were decorate door panels created by students and displayed in the school’s rotunda.

The ornate panels depicted countries and languages from around the world.

“There were 24 countries represented and over 50 total dishes,” said Kellie O’Donnell, head of the World Language Department.

The dishes were homemade and served by students, some of whom dressed in the traditional clothing of their country.