Lula Barnes, ESL Parent Liaison for the Westerville City School District, helped to organize the dinner.



“Appreciation is the highest form of prayer, for it acknowledges the presence of good wherever you shine the light of your thankful thoughts.” That’s what an invitation stated, which was sent by Somali moms to educators in the Westerville City School District, who filled the Westerville South High School cafeteria to sample an enormous variety of delicious ethnic dishes prepared by the grateful group. “Thank you for everything you do for us and our children,” the invitation said. In addition to food, the evening included comments by Somali high school students, speaking on behalf of their mothers; singing; dancing; and fellowship.