NEWS Walnut Valley Unified School District
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 880 S. Lemon Avenue
April 25, 2014 Walnut, CA 91789
Contact:
Kelli Gile, Office of Community Resources
(909)595-1261 ext. 31204
OPA!
Suzanne Students Experience Greek Festival
WALNUT, CA--Togo-wearing preteens at Suzanne Middle School joined Greek festivities on April 25.
Over 350 sixth graders learned an authentic Greek dance by Math and Drama Teacher Helen Papadopoulos.
Mrs. Pop, as she is called, proudly shared her culture with the students.
“It was great to be able to share a part of my culture with my drama kids and them have them help to share it with the 6th graders. Dancing is something that started in ancient Greece and we are still doing those same dances today!” she said.
“One, two, three, kick!” she repeated as students were learning the steps.
Once the music began, the kids joined hands and formed circles, dancing round and round, then faster and faster.
“The dancing was unusual but fun!” said 6th grader Jaylenn Choi.
Most of the students and staff members fashioned their outfits from pastel-colored sheets and fabric. Some wore traditional floral and ivy garlands.
Advisor GeorgeAnn Cusson sewed her Greek Day dress from a shower curtain.
After their morning dance lesson, students played Greek games and sampled Greek food. The festival also included readings of Greek literature.
“It was fun helping the 6th graders learn the Greek dance,” said 8th grader Alicia Horton.
“It’s different than other dancing because you’re doing mostly footwork.”
Shown:
Suzanne Middle School students learned a traditional dance during Greek Day held on April 25.
Suzanne students dance with Teacher Helen Papadopoulos during Greek Day held on April 25.