FLAGSTAFF — Spanish language and English learning students at Coconino High School celebrated el Día de los Muertos with an inaugural shoebox ofrenda competition with the winners selected on Friday, Nov. 4.
The 2022 winners are:
- First place: Olivia Hernandez and Ciara Kitterman
- Second place: Alexandra Villareal and Abigail Lopez
- Third place: Aris Lerma
The students were allowed to pick any family member, celebrity, or notable person for their entry, and were required to write up the information in Spanish or English and their home language. Entries from English learners included Chinese and Ukrainian as well.
The competition, which was displayed at the CHS library, with students using QR codes to vote for the winners, also featured students from the classes of English Learner Teacher Erin Fagan and Spanish Teacher Olaya “Lizett’ Castruita, who has created a full-size ofrenda in her classroom for many years.
First place entry by Olivia Hernandez and Ciara Kitterman. Courtesy photo.
Second place entry by Alexandra Villareal and Abigail Lopez. Courtesy photo.
Third place entry by Aris Lerma. Courtesy photo.
Photos below by Frank X. Moraga ©2022
The altars were exhibited first at the ACADEMIA CIVICA meeting that Principal Stacie Zanzucchi organized for Hispanic parents on November 1st. Courtesy photo.
Spanish Teacher Olaya “Lizett’ Castruita, from left, English Learner Teacher Erin Fagan, and Spanish Teacher Francy H. Solarte Soto
