The Wantagh Middle School and High School French clubs collaboratively hosted a French Soiree for fifth graders and their parents on Jan. 31. Club advisors, Lauren Wadalavage and Kim Vargas-Curatola planned the event in the hopes of raising community awareness about the Francophone culture and the French language.
The Middle School and High School French Club students are passionate about the study of French and their enthusiasm was evident as they planned the evening. Their ambition was to share information about the language and culture with younger students.
The guests were treated to a “trip around the world” to French speaking cities and countries. Rooms in the high school were transformed into a global experience. The younger students visited places like Switzerland, Martinique, Quebec, Africa and New Orleans. At each destination they could learn some facts and play games or create a craft.
No French evening would be complete without a visit to Paris where the guests were able to enjoy culinary delicacies such as a Mardi Gras King Cake, crêpes, hot cocoa and more. Seventh grader Connor Pecinka, who won the Junior Culinary Award at the Long Island Fair this year, designed a cake especially for the event. While enjoying their treats, guests were entertained with a selection of Edith Piaf songs performed by junior Carly Censi and senior Kara Arena.
Department Supervisor Pat Calosso applauds the extraordinary efforts of the French teachers and dedicated students including High School French Club President Brendan Egan and Middle School French Club President Caitlin Jaeggli. The event took more than a month to plan and the reward was reflected by the excitement in the room as the fifth graders enjoyed experiencing the French culture.
