Seniors Exhibit Language Learning in Year-End Showcase [video]

Farmington High School seniors celebrated the World Languages Showcase Thursday night — for most the culmination of eight years of study.

At the showcase, the students presented projects they had developed over much of the last quarter, working independently. The students picked topics that interested them apart from the traditional curriculum, explained Lisa Kapcinski, World Languages department head.

“It’s really our way of ending students’ world language exploration using communication skills, collaboration skills, innovation skills – striving to do what’s in our mission,” Kapcinski said in the midst of the cafeteria, which was buzzing with students expounding on their projects in French and Spanish.

There, many of the 92 seniors presenting at the showcase presented trifold posters – the visual aspect of the project – while they also gave explanations to curious underclassmen.

Down the hall, some students were presenting theatrical, musical or dance projects they had opted to perform for their peers. Bull fighting, flamenco, mime and French music were some of the topics shared.

Remy Richardson and Yoona Houh took a different approach, using their project to perform community service. The pair held a food drive to benefit the Spanish Speaking Center in New Britain and raise more than 1,300 items in a week by holding a competition. The pair also talked about the culture and challenges of that community.

Students said they also enjoyed the freedom the projects gave them to explore.

"I liked incorporating literature into Spanish," said Amelia Mason, who did her project on the work of poet Federico García Lorca. "Normally we're focused on grammar and culture."

Amy Tomasso and Sarah Fisher presented information about French Music - 'La Musique Francaise.'

"It's a nice way to en the year and explore a topic both of us are interested in," Tomasso said.

The pair has studied since fifth grade and plans to minor in French in college. They also participated in the exchange program with a French high school.

"To be able to communicate in someone's native language, I think, is really powerful."

*Videos feature Alex Abrams, Lisa Petricca and Vivan Slater in "La Feria de Sevilla" and Amy Tomasso and Sarah Fisher in "La Musique Francaise."