March 29, 2004 – The Education Department's foreign language program will be the star attraction Saturday at Tutu Park Mall during a Foreign Languages Cultural Program Showcase. The event, which runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., will be chock-full of different activities and contests.
The showcase wraps up Foreign Language Month, which is celebrated in March.
Posters will be on display and will be judged from 11 a.m. to noon. The Education Department's foreign languages coordinator, Myrna V. van Beverhoudt, said that the posters include copies of works by French and Spanish masters.
"Like Monet," she said.
Additionally, students created posters using the theme "Spring Brings Hope, So Does Understanding Through Foreign Languages."
"The idea is that if you know someone's language and understand his or her culture, ultimately this knowledge will lead to less world conflict," she said.
Piñatas will also be judged. Additionally, items created during Foreign Language Month will be on display.
Students will also recite poetry, sing songs and dance authentic dances in a show that runs from 1 to 3 p.m.
Van Beverhoudt said that students study Spanish in grades kindergarten through 12 and French in high school.
She said that thanks to donations from businesses and organizations, students will receive prizes and trophies. All first-prize winners will receive a gift certificate.
The gift certificates for either meals or items were donated by Boricua's Terrace, L'Escargot, Bela Blu restaurant, Asfour Department Store, Burrito Bay Deli, and Café Roma.
Other monetary donations paid for trophies and overhead projectors for the two junior high schools in the St. Thomas/St. John district. Those donations came from St. Thomas-St. John Hotel Association, Scotia Bank, Cardow Jewelers, Mim's Seaside Bistro, Agave Terrace, Dr. Alfred O. Heath, and Drug Farm Pharmacy.
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