The flags waved, costumes worn and dances performed by students of Excel Charter School, at 1077 Remsen Avenue, on Friday, June 6th, said it all. It’s Carnival!
The explosion of colors — blazing reds, emerald greens, sunshine yellows and sapphire blues — combined with calypso rhythms and the heat, created the perfect Caribbean atmosphere, just right for a good jump up and that’s what the students, teachers and some parents did at the 6th Annual Caribbean Heritage Celebration.
Each masquerade band that entered the playground where the Caribbean Heritage celebration was held comprised a class, representing a different island nation — St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Barbados, St. Lucia, Jamaica, Antigua, Trinidad and Tobago, Cayman Islands or Haiti. The colors of the students’ costumes reflected the native colors of the island they represented.
Dean of Students Amaya Santos said in a statement, “This celebration was more than a show. It was a powerful reminder to our students that who they are matters — that their culture is worthy of recognition, exploration and joyful celebration. When students see their identities reflected and honored at school, they know they belong and they feel empowered to learn, grow and EXCEL!”
