Middle schoolers celebrate their differences

Goshen —The C. J. Hooker Middle School recently concluded its Black History Month/Cultural Diversity/Women’s History celebration during the month of February. The month-long celebration combined all cultures in a display of ethnic unity, respect, tolerance and acceptance. Middle school students participated in a number of events, including listening to guest speakers, studying original documents such as Dr. Martin Luther King’s “I Have A Dream” speech and Abraham Lincoln’s “Emancipation Proclamation,” viewing documentaries such as “Paper Clips” and participating in a cultural survey, door decorating contest and poetry writing. Students heard a variety of guest speakers and programs, including a visit from Carolyn Evans, a noted local character actress, who performed a recreation of the famous crusader for human and civil rights, Sojourner Truth. Students also played the game “Who Wants To be A Millionaire: Cultural Diversity” with Shannon Wong from the New Windsor YWCA. Special field trips were held in February. The Student Government Club and 7/8 Girls Leadership Group took a memorable trip to the Rockland Holocaust and Museum Learning Center in Spring Valley, while the Young Hispanic Leadership Club and Spanish Dancing Club traveled to The Bardavon 1869 Opera House in Poughkeepsie to see the Peru-Negro Dance Troupe. A cultural survey, coordinated by the staff and reporters of the school newspaper, “The Gladiator,” was conducted in homerooms, and reported upon in the Cultural Diversity February issue of the Gladiator. The culmination came on Feb. 29 with readings and presentations, including famous Latinos in history, poetry readings, student reflections, and more. A special feature this year was Spanish teacher Gaby Ackert’s Spanish Dancers performing a zumba and salsa routine to the delight of the audience.