West Pine Middle School transforms into a world showcase during the Passport International Festival Friday, May 1, from 5:30 until 8:30 p.m., and the public is invited.

Featuring countries the students have learned about in their social studies curriculum over the last three years, the festival presents an opportunity to experience the culture, food, art, and language of nations ranging from Africa to Thailand.

The International Cooking School enhances culinary skills with hands-on lessons in making Chinese dumplings, rolling sushi, and kneading pasta. Tempting the palate are tastes of South African jollof, Italian pizzelle, Thai meatballs, Greek baklava, and of course, classic North Carolina barbecue. Not sure what these international foods are?

"That's all the more reason to come," says a spokesman.

Boogey off any extra calories in the dance school by learning to merengue, salsa, tango, or shag. African drum demonstrations and Japanese taiko drums keep the international music stage thumping. The nearby game room offers lessons in African mancala and carron, an Indian board game. Guests may also learn origami or the North Carolina art of making a corn husk doll.

Finish off the evening with an "Adios" or "Auf Wiedersehen" after visiting the language lab that teaches phrases in Chinese, French, German, Japanese, and Spanish.

All of the proceeds from this event go directly to purchasing SMART Boards to enrich the educational experience of all West Pine students.

Studies show that children relate to and are more engaged in the classroom when the teaching style includes interactive computer technology.

SMART Boards make lessons visual, colorful, and memorable.

Tickets are $10 per passport or $40 for a family of four or more. Tickets are available at the West Pine office at 144 Archie Road in West End.

For more information, call (910) 673-1464.