Photo by Frank X. Moraga / www.AmigosNAZ.com ©2024
FLAGSTAFF — Spanish language and English learning students at Coconino High School celebrated el Día de los Muertos/Day of the Dead with their third annual shoebox ofrenda competition. The winners were selected this week with students and others voting throughout the month.
“The Dead of the Dead Mini altar contest is a competition where students create beautiful and meaningful altars using a shoe box,” said said teacher Francy Solarte. “They can pay tribute to a family member, pet, or person who has contributed to society. They also write an altar dedication in Spanish and their home language. This is an interdisciplinary project between Spanish classes and English Language Learners classes.
“This year, we are thrilled to welcome art classes that will showcase beautiful ceramic skulls as part of the exhibition,” she said.
The altars were displayed at the school’s library from Nov. 2 through the end of Parent’s Night on Nov. 7.
Comments from the parents included:
“So impressive. The level of engagement, detail, and time that was put into each altar. I also love the community engagement involved in the whole event.”
“Loving feeling that we have all lost someone very special to us.”
“I love the addition of the skulls and dancers. It is getting better every year.”
“The thoughtful detail was incredible!! What an amazing tribute. It is very clear that this was a wonderful way for these students to express emotion and creativity. Marvelous!!”
“What a beautiful collaboration of class participation in this year’s celebration!”
“Me impresiona la dedicación de los estudiantes y su obra artística.”
“Me encantó el hecho de ensenarles a las siguientes generaciones las tradiciones tan lindas como es el Día de los Muertos. Se notó el empeño de los estudiantes todos esos pequeños detalles que incorporaron tanto en los altares cono en las calaveras.”
“It’s such a fun way to get together and a great welcome to see Friends, plus I have my son introduce me to his classmates.”
“This was my first time attending, please offer this again.”
“The level of detail, the kind. Words. I especially liked the ofrendas that were actually a family member””
Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces member Becca DeLap votes during the competition. Photo by Frank X. Moraga / www.AmigosNAZ.com ©2024
Winners from the 2023 competition were displayed at a special ofrenda by Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces at the recent Celebraciones de la Gente at the Museum of Northern Arizona.
Winners will receive gift cards from local favorites, including Walmart, Dutch Bros, Starbucks, and Las Gorditas Mexican Restaurant.
The 2024 winners are:
CHS courtesy photo.
CHS courtesy photo.
CHS courtesy photo.
CHS courtesy photo.
CHS courtesy photo.
CHS courtesy photo.
CHS courtesy photo.Candy Skull Winners:
- 1st- Justine Sloan 12th grade – F – (Dutch Bro 2x $10 Total $20)
- 2nd – Aubrey Furstnow 12th grade – K – (Dutch Bros $10)
- 3rd – Shyann S. Bitsuie 12th grade – G – (Dutch Bros $10)
Photos below by Frank X. Moraga / www.AmigosNAZ.com ©2024
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CHS teachers organizing the contest and exhibit and participating in the Family night were:
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ELL English Language Learners (Jessica Sargent and Nadege Neta)Art (Kelly Woodruff)
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Culinary (Janeille Buckley)
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Spanish classes (Brisa Torres, Matt Hoch, Francy Solarte).
- Francy Solarte, who teaches Spanish for Spanish Speakers 1 and 2, Spanish 3/IB Standard Level. IB International Baccalaureate Higher and Standard Level Spanish language for Seniors
- Club MEChA sponsored by Janet Chavez helped welcome families.
Jurors this year were:
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Clay Showalter Youth Outreach & Education Coordinator (Northern Arizona) Arizona Trail Association
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Giselle Vera CHS couselour
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Leslie Grabel ELL Coordinator at SMS and CHS
Some of the other altars / ofrendas on display.
Members of Ballet Folkorico de Colores de Flagstaff prepare for their Parents Night performance.
