Students at John T. Magee Middle School experience a quinceañera

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ROUND LAKE – Princess dress? Check.

Godparents? Check

Music and guests? Check and check.

Then let the Quinceañera begin!

A week before school let out for summer break, Spanish class students at John T. Magee Middle School were able to experience a mock Quinceañera party in the school’s cafeteria complete with decorations, cake, dancing and, of course, a young lady looking forward to her rite of passage.

“I want them to know the culture, not just the language,” said Danielle Navarro, Spanish teacher at John T. Magee.

Navarro said that the idea she’s learning while studying to get her masters in education is to “do more” when teaching.

“I showed them the “Sweet 15” movie and they really enjoyed it, so I thought, why not do more with it,” Navarro said.

All of the students in her classes participated by first learning about the meaning of a Quinceañera (which is an elaborate party for a girl turning 15 years of age that symbolizes she’s leaving behind her childhood), and then by being a part of the planning whether by making decorations, party favors or writing an essay to explain why they thought they should be the Quinceañera.

“We learned about what the shoes and the Barbie mean – moving into adulthood and becoming a woman. But it’s different hearing it and experiencing it,” said 14-year-old Faith Gazdzicki of Round Lake.

Navarro said that some students went all out with the fantasy and included their family in the preparations of the event.

“My aunt made my dress just for today,” said chosen Quinceañera, Ariana Melesio, while running her hands through the fabric of her long, bright yellow dress.

Melesio is only 13 years old, but just like the rest of the young ladies in Señora Navarro’s Spanish class, whether they will have a “Quince” or a Sweet 16 in the future, they won’t soon forget this Quinceañera with their school friends.

“Everyone is excited that we did this and now they all know what a Quinceañera feels like,” Navarro said.