Grand Isle School helped its students embrace their community’s history and culture during its first Heritage Celebration recently.
“This was another example of the concerted efforts of support for Grand Isle School by the community including students, parents, government officials, organizations, and the main frame of everyday people who visit our area in an effort to enjoy our culture and conservative efforts,” said Grand Isle School Principal Marian L. Cooper. “A great big thank you goes out to all who helped and attended.”
Students studied and demonstrated their talents in reliving the customs and common traditions of their parents, grandparents, and some local historic figures. Their week began with their preparation for a culminating Saturday that provided one and all with a taste of Louisiana traditions. Those traditions included food, traditional dance, student artwork, and painting lessons. The event also included decoy carving demonstrations by Leon Bradberry Jr., Joel Bradberry Sr., and Ophelia Lefort (89 years young). Grand Isle’s historical stories were also shared about many of the area’s first settlers and past and current residents. There were displays including the US Coast Guard’ s memorabilia, “Ms. Chick’s” (Chighizola) treasures from the past, and Jean Landry’s Nature Conservancy’s efforts serving Grand Isle School for many years .
The 4th & 5th grade students, under the directions of Angie Besson, worked hard on their preparation for this event. They gave presentations on the Family History of a Cajun, “Lovin’ Louisiana,” and the “Cajun Three Lil’ Pigs. This group also prepared a booth where bird feeders were constructed from used water bottles in an effort to lend to the conservation efforts of Grand Isle School and the continued benefits to their island community.
