Knox County Students Visit Truman for the Classical and Modern Language Festival
By: Jaiden Linebaugh
On Thursday, November 14, 28 Knox County Spanish Club members attended the annual Classic and Modern Language Festival hosted by Truman State University. Knox County was one of eight high schools that participated in the festivities.
The high school students attended sessions of their choice, taught by Truman University professors and students, where they learned about other cultures such as Japanese, Italian, Chinese and Spanish. Sessions included Italian Hand Gestures, Chinese Reading, Spanish Games, Salsa Dancing, Painting Picasso, and many others. Knox County Spanish Club Advisor Luis Mendez shared why the Language Festival is beneficial to the students. Mendez said, “It teaches high school students that there are many other cultures other than Spanish and English out there for them to learn.”
After the sessions had ended, students gathered together to watch a competition of skits and songs performed by fellow high schools. Before loading the buses to head back home, the Dean of Truman State University informed students about the importance of knowing and understanding other languages and cultures, as well as the demand for people with bilingual experience in the workforce is high. To end the day, Knox County Spanish Club members enjoyed a meal at the La Pa Mexican restaurant in Kirksville before making their trip back to the school.