Cinco de Mayo celebrated at J. Colin Elementary
Students, parents, grandparents, staff and more celebrated Cinco de Mayo at J. Colin English Elementary.
The annual celebration is always colorful, with great activities, dancing, food and fun.
The school’s Carmen Marquez keeps the action going, and this year was a great success.
Principal Joe Williams III said it is always a special celebration.
“We put this on annually at J. Colin English Elementary – a celebration of Hispanic culture. Students get an opportunity to see what is within the culture, such as food, dances and artifacts, an important cultural experience.”
Foster grandparent and volunteer Joan Whitmer manned the Pinata Station, where children got to make their own special pinatas.
“We are having a lot of fun,” she said.
Official MC Zachary DeCicco made announcements of activities throughout the day.
Dawn Forbrick, Curriculum Coordinator for the school said, “This is a great day to embrace the culture. We also have parents come in to see the students and just have fun.”
Briceida Salinas has been serving authentic food at the Cinco Celebration for many years at the school, always a treat for teachers, staff and volunteers. This year she was joined by family members Lucy Cortes, Melissa Lopez and Luis Lopez Jr.
Doris Sebul, the Pre-K/Head Start teacher, manned a “Jalapeno Hat” station. She took time to make sure students Taylor Stewart and Emmanuel Jacques had their special hats.
Marquez wanted to thank local businesses that helped support the event. They include Walmart, Costco, Sam’s Warehouse, McDonald’s (Merchant’s Crossing), La Mejicana Palm Beach Blvd., Publix and Humphrey & Whidden Insurance Agency Inc.
The school will host the upcoming North Fort Myers Relay For Life event on May 14 and 15. For information on that event, call the American Cancer Society at 936-1113 ext 3904.