The Renaissance Academy Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

PHOENIXVILLE, PA ---Today marked the 11th annual Renaissance Academy Spanish Festival. The students in grades kindergarten through 12th grade enjoyed a variety of special treats and activities including crafts, face painting, piñatas, Hispanic food, and even Zumba and dance lessons. There was also a “World Cup” soccer game and the authentic Mariachi band, “Mariachi Flores”, performed for the students throughout the day.

Anahita Keyhani, 12th grader at Renaissance, said that she looks forward to the Spanish Festival each year. “I really enjoy learning new things about the culture. My favorite part of the day this year was the Zumba dancing.”

The 2014 Spanish Festival wrapped up a month long, school-wide focus in honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month. Each morning, the school day began with students in grades 2-12th reading the Renaissance Academy code of conduct in Spanish over the school intercom. There was a high school Spanish trivia contest as well as Hispanic history and culture integrated throughout each subject in the student’s day.

Senora Nidia Wilson-Osorio, Spanish Teacher and one of the event organizers, said, “The Spanish Festival at Renaissance Academy is truly a unique experience for all and it embodies Renaissance Academy’s community as a family. Every year, everyone looks forward to the music, entertainment, crafts and of course, the food! It is truly incredible to see five months of planning unfold with the help of administration, staff and students.” Mrs. Wilson-Osorio’s favorite part of this event is coming home to hear how her own children, who are students at Renaissance Academy, enjoyed all the experiences of the day.

Established in 1999, Renaissance Academy is a K-12, award-winning, tuition-free, college prep charter school located in Phoenixville, PA. Renaissance Academy was named as a top high school on Newsweek’s 2013 Best High Schools in America. For more information, please visit www.rak12.org.