- November 5, 2024
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The goal Indian Trails Middle School Spanish teacher Christina Gilliam had for the school’s first Hispanic festival was for students and the community to learn about differences and embrace similarities.
Between the ITMS band, chorus, art and history departments and the Spanish Club, Gilliam said over 150 students participated to make the inaugural Hispanic festival a success for about 300 visitors on Thursday, Feb. 15.
“Everybody brings something to the table, always,” Gilliam said. “They are so different, but, when you put them together, you can pick out the difference, but also something in common. All these kids are eager to learn if you open the right doors.”
Twenty Hispanic countries were researched and presented by members of the ITMS Spanish Club at the festival.
“Some of the students have families that were born in that country, so it was a great opportunity for them to learn about their culture,” said Gilliam, who is Colombian.
Eighth-grader Alexis Bennett said she was fascinated to learn about Costa Rica for her project.
“It’s actually very interesting that they’re kind of like us,” Bennett said. “They just speak a different language, but most of the sports we have here, they have there.”
Traditional Peruvian and Colombian dances were performed by dance groups Peru JAX and Raices. A student art exhibit was on display where several eighth-graders dressed up as artists from Hispanic countries and showcased self-portraits they created in the style of their chosen artist.
“I have always been passionate about teaching about culture because I feel like if you teach about culture, you can teach about respect, and that’s one of my main goals,” Gilliam said.
Flagler School Board members Janet McDonald and Maria Barbosa enjoyed the festival.
“When (Gilliam) gets an idea, it explodes and turns into a wonderful thing like this,” McDonald said.