Second Language Learners Wow the Audience At Upper School Language Night

By Andrew Fileta, Upper Division Spanish Teacher, and Amy Levine, Upper Division Assistant Director

Mary McDowell Friends School (MMFS) takes pride in its robust second language program. To highlight the efforts of students who might receive a second language exemption at another school, the upper school celebrates their hard work with an evening of second language performances.

Recently, the upper school held its annual Language Night. Students set the bar high this year as talent, enthusiasm, and immense effort over months combined to create an event that kept audience members enthralled. The audience moved through various stations in the gymnasium as the students put their hard work and talents on display with a wide array of Spanish and ASL performances.

Over the course of the evening, the Spanish 2 classes treated the audience to a four-act murder mystery with a surprising plot twist, while Spanish 3 classes offered interpretations of a legend and poem related to their study of Tenochtitlan, the capital city of the Aztecs. Spanish 4 classes demonstrated their confidence in their Spanish skills by sharing short scenes inspired by Puerto Rican historical events and cultural identity.

ASL students performed a dynamic sampling of song interpretations, dialogue scenes, a recreation of a scene from Dragon Ball Z, as well as an ASL re-telling of the children’s book, Corduroy. The ASL 4 ensemble wowed the crowd with a staging of Man in the Mirror by Michael Jackson that included backup dancers.

One section of the lobby was converted into a café where guests could purchase empanadas and Latin American desserts. The money raised at the cafe was donated to the Hispanic Federation: Puerto Rico Hurricane Relief and Reconstruction.

Language Night 2018 was packed with students, faculty, administration, and family members immersing themselves in student-centered work that highlighted the beauty and intricacies of  second languages. It was a joy to watch families, teachers, and fellow students beam in support of the performers. Students and faculty alike should be congratulated for putting together what is always one of the biggest nights of the year for the upper school community.

To see the photos, click here.