International Show switches to National Show

marinette dupain-cheng, Staff Illustrator — April 1, 2026

The Ideal Spectacle: This is what the picturesque National Show would be like - filled with reminisces of America’s glory and things Paul the Patriot worked hard for. (Illustrated by marinette dupain-cheng)

After a substantial amount of setbacks and struggles, Oxford Academy's International Club has decided to convert the annual International Show to a National Show for the 2026-27 school year. The popular International Week, which occurred during the first week of March and highlighted different aspects from various cultures in the world, will now be reduced to only displaying the one and only acceptable nationality: the United States.

Previous International Weeks and Shows included vibrant and colorful displays of culture, ranging from food tasting in the breezeway during lunch (which always had delicious faloodas, spring rolls/crab cakes, etc.) to spectacular performances by all the cultural clubs by the end of the week. For newer students, it offered a glimpse into Oxford's rich diversity and inclusivity.

However, numerous conflicts occurred while planning the 2026 International Show. The change in the show stemmed from when the International Club found themselves with too much of a workload. They were struggling to review at all the auditions, keep track of people and clubs participating, etc. Also, they were doing their best to make sure there were no mishaps, which caused some rifts between them and other cultural clubs. International Club pleaded with AASHA's dance group to spell the club's name right at least once, begged LDD to ensure their lions did not fall onto poor, unsuspecting ninth graders, and voiced their concerns with the Filipino Club faking injuries during their tinikling because of how worried the teachers got.

Oxford's cultural clubs are quite upset with this upcoming change. The International Show was one of the few occasions where they could proudly exhibit their culture and heritage to the school, but that opportunity is now being abruptly taken away. Board members of these clubs have banded together to campaign and sign a petition against the shift, but it has yet to be proved successful.

There is an upside to this change, and it is also the main reason why OA's administration approved it as well. As we make the shift from International to National, this show will represent the true beliefs of the Patriot. OA's mascot, Paul the Patriot, once stated that Americans must embrace unity and confidence within ourselves; by all of us supporting and hyping up American culture, we will be "one in unity".

President of International Club, Justin Bie, looks forward to some new additions in the future International Shows. "We wouldn't have to spend more money or time thinking about lunch activities during International Week anymore, because experiencing lunch at Oxford Academy is basically living the American Dream! We would have to increase the funding for some props. One new thing we're trying to work with OA Robotics with is to build a massive flying eagle that would wave around the bleachers. We also want to ask Mr. Chaldu if he can make his Patriot Burgers and also include hotdogs with it as well." He also mentions, "Our school also has amazing programs like choir, band, etc. Imagine if our choir is singing a rendition of Taylor Swift's 'Ophelia', Jazz Band performing Kid Rock, and OADC dancing to Abby Lee Miller's choreography—that would take our National show to a whole new level of patriotism."

Once this change is made, Oxford Academy's love for the mascot and the country will be elevated to a next-level high as the sounds from the National Show buzz in every student's ears. The cultural clubs are still pushing back against the shift, which may hinder these ambitious plans, but for now? The next school year needs to be prepared for a fresh and exciting change to Oxford Academy's cherished International Show.