LEWISTON – Students, educators and their families returned to Lewiston Middle School on May 8 to celebrate diversity in the first World Cafe. Shayna Malyata, an eighth-grade language arts teacher and adviser for the civil rights team, encouraged seventh- and eighth-graders to participate in the event.

Students read their original poetry, danced to various world music and tasted the selection of ethnic foods. Highlights of the evening also included Celtic music by Mike Golay, guitarist from the Portland area, Hannah Rodrigue, an eighth-grade violinist, and Rahma Ahmed, who sang a French song.

The civil rights team of Lewiston Middle School wanted to emphasize the positive “power of words.” The World Cafe allowed students to showcase their talents and use their “power of words” in a constructive, entertaining way.

Malyata said she hopes that the World Cafe will be bigger and better next year.