COVINGTON TWP, Pa., November 8th, 2024 – On November 1st, the Spanish department held their annual Dia de los Muertos celebration. This event has taken place for many years in North Pocono High School’s history, and has grown to be very popular among students. The crafts, food, and all-around festivities that take place create a lot of enjoyment. However, it’s often overlooked how much preparation goes into this one special day in the language department.
Head of the language department, and Spanish teacher, Mrs. Hella Poehailos is particularly fond of the collaboration that goes into making each year’s Dia de los Muertos party a success. “We get the chance to incorporate Spanish art with Mrs. Crum, who talks about the flowers and what they represent, and the family consumer science class makes sugar skulls and students learn the importance of that.” The day’s festivities include making tissue paper chrysanthemums, a type of flower which hold importance in Spanish culture, along with eating foods brought in from many students and cookies made by Mrs. Wall’s Foods and Nutritions classes. There’s also Dia de los Muertos themed movies such as Disney’s “Coco” playing in many classrooms, and games like cornhole and spikeball available. The party goes all day, and the festive energy is easily seen by anyone who stops by. AP Spanish student Payton Barbuti enjoys “the food and all the games, and just the fact that we don’t have to do Spanish.”
The community and collaboration that go into the event are not unseen by anyone involved, as foods and nutrition teacher Mrs. Linda Wall loves to see “the camaraderie of all the teachers coming together beforehand because we all work together to make it happen.” She appreciates seeing “the students get not only a cross-cultural experience, but also the social aspect of it.” Whether students are getting food, having a dance-off, or coloring, there’s always a buzz heard around the third floor. Students are able to get a chance to relax for a period, talk with their friends, and just have a chance to enjoy some of the opportunities the school offers without the looming threat of responsibility holding them back. Payton likes that “you don’t have to be in a Spanish or language class to participate.” Most teachers are happy to give out a pass so that more students can come to join the party.
As another Dia de los Muertos has come and gone, the festivities have once again been proven to be a success. Students and teachers alike were able to enjoy the day, making tissue paper flowers, eating homemade goods, and enjoying each other’s presence while talking or playing games. The day’s success will likely help it to continue as a tradition in the high school for many years to come.
