Garden City HS celebrates World Language Week with good works

Garden City High School’s World Language department celebrated World Language Week, incorporating events that put the focus on fun and philanthropy. The department kicked off the week with two exciting events: the first World Language Badminton Tournament and the Pulsera Project.

On March 1, more than 80 students participated in the badminton tournament. While some students played, others volunteered their time to run the event and others baked delicious treats to raise money. Prizes were awarded to first- and second-place teams along with the students who wore the most creative costumes. The

$440 proceeds of the event were donated to the World Central Kitchen, an organization that is first to the frontlines, providing meals in response to humanitarian, climate and community crises.

Additionally, the Spanish Club sold pulseras or bracelets provided by the Pulsera Project. The Pulsera Project buys hand-woven pulseras from Central American artists and partners with student groups to sell them through U.S. schools. It provides sustainable fair-trade employment for these artisans.

“It is essential that our students understand the importance of giving back to both the local and global communities,” said Garden City High School Spanish teacher and ENL Lead Toni Gutiérrez.” We chose these two organizations because of their dedication and worldwide impact.”

Latin teacher Kathleen Durkin added, “It was great to see the clubs working together for and with each other. Sometimes the languages are siloed, always doing many and great things but separately. For this event, we all came together for a cause, to raise language awareness and support for communities around the world. ”

Photos courtesy of Garden City Public Schools

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