Stuart and Hobe Sound, Fla. - The Pine School was abuzz during Hispanic Heritage Month (celebrated from September 15 to October 15) as teachers on the Lower, Middle, and Upper School campuses organized events to highlight Hispanic contributions to American life. The Lower School's Greek week, celebrated just after Hispanic Heritage Month, also introduced fourth graders to the accomplishments of ancient Greek civilization.
On the Middle and Upper School campuses, Spanish teacher Elizabeth Christensen and the Comite Unidos (United Committee) organized a week of activities culminating in a Hispanic heritage celebration on October 9. Teachers and students read Spanish poetry at daily morning meetings, while resident chef Kelly Moore prepared traditional Puerto Rican, Cuban, and Argentine cuisine for lunches throughout the week. Hispanic art was showcased through displays of the beautiful work of Mario Mutis and Fabian Menendez-Parker, local Hispanic artists. Friday's final celebration brought together students and teachers from grades 7 through 12 and featured traditional Hispanic music, dance instruction, and poetry readings. Grammy-winning Puerto Rican flutist Nestor Torres worked with Pine School music students as the school's Artist-in-Residence, and several students earned the opportunity to perform with him at the Lyric Theatre on October 9. Senior Emma Akrawi was the featured student soloist; fellow seniors Katie Bayard, Sara Roberts, and Alexandra Ventura, junior Josh Denton, sophomore Clarice Curto, and freshman Nathaniel Romero also performed.
On the Lower School campus, fifth graders were treated to a celebrity visit from Miss Latina Dominican Republic 2008-2009 Marcie Elizabeth Ramos. Marcie met and posed for pictures with students, who enjoyed their time with her immensely. Many thanks go to Pine School parent Jacqueline Hishmeh Vargas, who arranged the visit. During the annual Greek week, celebrated from October 12 through October 16, fourth-grade students donned togas and laurel wreaths to celebrate their study of ancient Greece. Dr. Patricia Gage, The Pine School's Academic Center Director, brought in authentic Greek treats for students, whose cultural awareness is much broader after a very active October.
About The Pine School
The Pine School is a college preparatory nonsectarian day school that offers an academically rigorous program to students from age three through 12 th grade. In keeping with independent school philosophy, The Pine School provides a strong traditional curriculum while integrating arts and athletics into the program of all students. An average enrollment of more than 500 students includes students of all faiths, while faculty members are recruited nationally and internationally to carry out a curriculum designed to meet the needs of students in the 21 st century. For more information, visit www.thepineschool.org.