Italian exchange students learn Seminole culture at Billie Swamp Safari Education by Beverly Bidney - April 5, 2017 BIG CYPRESS — A group of Italian high school exchange students received a taste of authentic Florida during a visit to Billie Swamp Safari on Feb. 21. Archbishop McCarthy High School senior John Osceola joined the group, which spent two weeks at the school and other South Florida attractions. “I enjoyed
Author of Seminole fiction book visits Pemayetv Emahakv students Education by Beverly Bidney - March 10, 2017 BRIGHTON — Pemayetv Emahakv Charter School third- through eighth-grade students were treated to a visit by local author Edwina Raffa, co-author of “Escape to the Everglades” on Feb. 17. The students are reading the book in class this year. A retired educator and graduate of Florida State University and Florida Atlantic
Washington trip brings Tribal students close up to government Education by Beverly Bidney - March 10, 2017 Leadership skills don’t always come naturally but they can be learned, which is what four Tribal high school students did at Close Up Washington and United South and Eastern Tribes Impact Week from Feb. 4-10 in Washington, D.C. Tyrek Lasane, Chandler DeMayo, Janessa Jones and Mikiyela Cypress received an education in
Turtle Hospital benefits from Ahfachkee bake sale Education by Beverly Bidney - March 10, 2017 BIG CYPRESS — There are many ways to show love on Valentine’s Day; chocolates, jewelry or a special date night are popular choices. But the fourth-grade students at Ahfachkee School took a different route. They showed their love for sea turtles by holding a bake sale Feb. 14 to raise money
Living the ACD experience: Witnessing unity and pride Education by Aaron Tommie - March 10, 2017 As participants and spectators, Natives from throughout the United States convened in early February for the Seminole Tribal Fair and Pow Wow at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Hollywood. It was my second time attending the event, but I witnessed my first grand entry. Throngs of Native dignitaries, performers,
PECS service project wins accolades, helps African village Education by Beverly Bidney - March 10, 2017 BRIGHTON — The efforts of Pemayetv Emahakv Charter School elementary school students paid off in a big way, with a $500 check from the state for taking second place in the “Literacy Changes Our World” service project. Principal Brian Greseth, instructional coach Vicki Paige, Student Council Chairman Heith Lawrence, and students
Beadwork exhibit debuts at Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum Education by Stephanie Rodriguez - February 8, 2017February 8, 2017 BIG CYPRESS — The Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum opened its newest exhibition, “Rekindled: Contemporary Southeastern Beadwork” in the west gallery. A reception was held for artists and guests Jan. 15 to celebrate the exhibit, which focuses on contemporary beadwork based on traditional styles created in the 1800s. The collection consists of beaded objects,
Living the ACD experience: Africa trip yields newfound respect, appreciation Education Featured Editorial by Aaron Tommie - February 8, 2017 In September 2016, my family and I traveled to Cameroon, a West African country, and primarily stayed in Limbe. Limbe is a beautiful city within a valley that overlooks the eastern part of the Atlantic Ocean. Since my wife Marceline is from there, we spent a lot of time with
Ahfachkee students artwork on display at Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Education by Beverly Bidney - February 8, 2017 BIG CYPRESS — Ahfachkee kindergarten through fifth graders had what some artists wait a lifetime for: a show of their work at a museum. The young artists enjoyed the opening reception for the annual showcase at Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum on Jan. 24. The school’s visual arts program examines the artwork of some
Ahfachkee in midst of changes inside and outside classroom Education by Beverly Bidney - February 8, 2017 BIG CYPRESS — Change has come to the Ahfachkee School this year with the implementation of more project-based learning and will continue with the renovation and expansion of the school in the next year. Project and collaborative learning, which encourages students to work together to acquire knowledge and solve problems, is being