Cook Literacy Model School students show off talent with 1st May Day event
Students at Cook Literacy Model School perform during the May Day Celebration on Friday, May 11. Photo by Tevin Stinson
With temperatures in the mid- to upper 90s last week, students, teachers, faculty, staff and parents at Cook Literacy Model School came together to celebrate the start of summer during their first annual May Day Celebration.
The earliest May Day celebrations were celebrated as a pagan holiday in Roman times, but through the years became a popular secular celebration.
The celebration took on new meaning at Cook last Friday as students showed their talents through song and dance. Students from every grade were also selected to represent the May Day Court, similar to the Homecoming court seen at high schools and colleges.
From Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” to more contemporary hits, the event had enough singing and dancing to keep everyone interested. Several parents and teachers even joined in when they knew the lyrics.
Cook Principal and Executive Director Dr. Paula Wilkins said the purpose of the May Day Celebration was to build confidence and excitement among the student body.
She said, “This was designed to build them up, show them what’s possible.”
The entire production was arranged by longtime music teacher Madeline McKoy. Before the start of the 2017-2018 school year, McKoy was enjoying retirement, but she decided to return to the classroom to help the students at Cook.
