May 31, 2007

From rap to the First Amendment, Castillero students
present eclectic 11th annual Academic Expedition

By Jeanne Carbone Lewis
Staff Writer

Castillero Middle School’s students inspired and excited guest expert members of the community last week at the school’s 11th annual Academic Expedition.

Guest experts met with the kids and discussed their projects after the presentations. Standing: Adam Amoroso, Austin Taylor, Jose Aburto, Ricky Carmona. Seated: Farheen Lakhia, Caryn Hreha, Cory Collen, and guest expert dentist Gina Gray-Syn and Mike Simonini. Photos by Jeanne Carbone Lewis

“Today we celebrate the academic excellence achieved by Castillero students throughout the school year,” said Castillero Middle School Principal Susan Walker. “More than 1,200 students were nominated for work and today more than 300 final presenters, the “best of the best,” will show and describe their work in classrooms containing fellow students and guest experts from the community. Please enjoy your day as we celebrate the outstanding achievements of our young people and help them dream about what their future will hold.”

The Academic Expedition begins early in the school year, when eighth graders choose a subject to study throughout the year. They are expected to give 100 percent throughout their work on the projects.

Prior to the Academic Expedition, guest experts were treated to the melodic music of the Castillero chamber strings and singers as they enjoyed breakfast and prepared for the student presentations in art, drama, language arts, leadership, math, science, and social studies.

“This is a great way to start the day,” said Academic Expedition chair Judi Armacost, whose daughter Alexandra presented a math project. “This gives the kids a sense of accomplishment and teaches them to speak in front of people. And it’s wonderful to have the community involved with the guest experts.”

The Castillero chamber strings entertain guest experts before the Academic Expedition, which celebrates the achievements of students.

The school bell rang and students and guest experts rushed to first period. In teacher Kristin Graffius’ class, Jessica Tom presented a diary of a 13-year-old Donner party member. Alex Southard’s fascination with gladiators led to a report about Sparticus, the greatest warrior of the time, but also a criminal. William Von Pinnon created a Roman political cartoon and Abigail Williams her own coat of arms.

Another bell rings and everyone hurries to teacher Laura Carroll’s classroom. Austin Taylor enthralls with his Viking journal stating he “drew on inspiration from books.” Jose Aburto, Adam Amoroso, Ricky Carmona, Mike Simonini, and Caryn Hreha wowed students and guest experts with their rap of “The Cay.” Guest expert dentist Gina Gray-Syn commented on how original all the projects and presentations were.

Some students even presented multiple presentations. Like Dana Sever with her Mesoamerican report and Middle Ages scrapbook. Or Farheen Lahkia, who presented her very own coat of arms and a history album. Though teachers suggested themes for the kids, all the students’ ideas presented unique perspective on the projects. And they presented with confidence to their peers and the guest experts.

But perhaps the best response was from the kids themselves.

“I really liked doing the project on the constitution,” said Matt Potter. “It was something different and I think the first amendment is the most important, the freedom of the press. My favorite subject is art but this was pretty cool.”