BY LAYAL HAMIDO
The Middle Eastern North African Club held the Arabian Night event on May 20th in the school cafeteria. The night presented delicious food, decorations, music, photos, and modest attire.
Gold accents and dim lighting welcomed students into a cozy, regal atmosphere. As guests filled the room, MENAC members started the party by queuing the DJ to begin the music. “It was great to see students trying the food, listening to music, and connecting with one another in a welcoming environment,” said Abdul Aziz Mohammed, a board member.
Attendees rushed to the food table, grabbing plates and preparing to feast. The food came from generous donations made by various restaurants, particularly Middle Eastern eateries in Paterson. “My favorites were the maqluba from Abu Rass and Hummus from Al Basha,” said senior Sarah Ahmed.
Aside from the food and music, a photo booth with a themed backdrop and a decorative mirror provided students with a space to take aesthetic pictures and capture memories from the night. The setup quickly became a popular spot, with many attendees lining up to take photos throughout the event. “The photo booth was a great addition, and MENAC ended the night with a group photo to capture the memories,” said Social Media Manager Aliya Hamido.
Guests also enjoyed Spikeball and a variety of other games set up throughout the space, which helped keep the energy lively. These activities gave attendees more opportunities to interact, compete in a friendly way, and stay engaged throughout the evening. “The games kept everyone engaged and made it easy to just have fun with friends,” said Mohammed.
Most of the MENAC board consists of seniors who wanted to make this final event especially memorable, creating a meaningful send-off for their time in the club. “After spending so much time planning and working together, it felt like a full circle moment and something we’ll look back on and reminisce about and be proud of,” said President Yara Abu Jebara.
The event reflected the hard work of the MENAC board and left a strong impression as a fun, meaningful way to close out the year. “Events like Arabian Night remind us that some of the best school memories are made when people come together and celebrate their cultures,” said Ahmed.
Photos by Layal Hamido
Posted on June 9, 2026
Knight Life 