Casa Cabrini teaches language, culture in sixth year

by Linsey Heiser news editor

For two weeks this summer, 64 local children broadened their cultural awareness by learning a new language. They attended Casa Cabrini, a Spanish day camp held on campus.

The camp, held from July 10 through July 28, was created by Dr. Cynthia Halpern, associate professor of Spanish and chair of the romance language s department, in order for Americans to be able to communicate with the swiftly growing number of people in the world who are already speaking Spanish.

The main focus of Casa Cabrini, which has just completed its sixth year, is to teach oral proficiency, comprehension and cultural development. Its fun activities.which included playing "Jeopardy" and ''Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" were a different alternative to simple classroom lectures.

Instead of receiving grades, children were rewarded with caballeros, or special dollars, for giving a right answer. Afterwards, the children were able to buy Spanish items at a store. Some of the kids had as many as 3000 caballeros, which went a long way at the store.

Some of the other activities included dressing in Spanish clothes, ordering Spanish food and playing Twister to learn Spanish body parts.

On the final day of Casa Cabrini, a presentation was held for the children to demonstrate the skills that they had learned. The children were split up into three groups, according to age, and each group performed a skit. Also during the final day, Eileen Bossone performed authentic flamenco dances for the children.

Assisting Dr. Halpern in the Casa Cabrini program was Dr. Maria Rippon, professor of romance languages, a Spanish-speaking staff from area schools and Cabrini students who are currently studying Spanish.

Senior Spanish major Joanne Morrone, who has participated in Casa Cabrini for the past three summers, enjoys being a part of the camp.

"Playing Spanish games motivated the children in learning the language. It was a rewarding experience for everyone to se how much the children appreciated all of our work" said Morrone.

Nancy Gardner, the assistant academic dean, has left the college to move to Colorado following her husband's job transfer. Gardner is pictured left reviewing documents with secretary Mary Hill.

Sam Vasiliades, the mailroom manager, has retired after 13 years of service to Cabrini College. Vasiliades is pictured right handing bulk mail to class of 2000's Joe Elliott.