English 11H Students Celebrate Completion of “The Great Gatsby” in a Unique Way

Jackie Buktaw

Students dressed up as their historical figures.

Olivia Johnson and Jackie Buktaw

On May 9, the English 11H department hosted the “Great Gatsby” party in regards to the finishing of the reading of the book. “The Great Gatsby” is a classic American novel and is considered to be one of the most widely read pieces of literature, even 100 years after being published. 

Based on a major research project, each student was prompted to choose a historical figure that could have known the infamous Jay Gatsby, if he was a real person. At the Gatsby party that took place per English block, students were encouraged to dress up as their historical figure that they chose from their project and many students participated. During the party that took place in the FHS library, students were able to participate in a variety of different activities such as learning how to do the Charleston dance, competing in scavenger hunt about each historical figure, playing a guessing game, and watching the actual movie. 

“I’m really proud of my students for committing to coming in costume and for being good sports about dancing the Charleston! But I think the best part was seeing the smiles and hearing the laughter of students who genuinely enjoyed each other’s company as they celebrated the end of learning unit in a gloriously nerdy way. It also helped that everyone passed the Reading SOL the next day,” said Christina Farello, English teacher.