By Languages and Cultural Studies Department Co-Chair Cynthia Marker
On Tuesday, April 25, advanced classes in French, Mandarin, Latin, and Spanish gathered to celebrate their progression in their programs and share dramatic interpretations of various artistic works in the original language.
While Spanish students celebrated the poetry of Federico García Lorca and Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, read a speech by Pancho Villa and a letter by Che Guevara, seniors in Mandarin presented and performed the popular song, “Look Over Here, Girls.” Latin scholars modeled the pronunciation of texts by Ovid and Horace, followed by students’ translations of these excerpts. The French group recited favorite poems, song lyrics and essayists while also authoring original reflections and verse en français.
Following the formal presentations in the T.V studio, participating juniors and seniors received a t-shirt that featured the word Peace written in each of the languages. Finally, everyone adjourned to the Harris Center for a tasty lunch combining global culinary trends of empanadas, baos, Roman-style grapes and French pastries.
It was a first of what we hope becomes an annual culmination of our advanced students’ many successes and a way for us to cheer on their future international experiences with a resounding Bravo!
Francis W. Parker School educates students to think and act with empathy, courage and clarity as responsible citizens and leaders in a diverse democratic society and global community.