Why is it important for Maria Tallchief to be represented in Native American Heritage Month?
By OLIVIA GIORDANO
Maria Tallchief, the first Native American prima ballerina and one of the most celebrated dancers of the 20th century, is a figure whose legacy extends far beyond the stage. Her representation during Native American Heritage Month is vital because she embodies cultural pride, perseverance, and breaking down barriers.
“I think it’s wonderful for any chance to highlight a biography of somebody. I think that no matter what the month is, I like the idea of putting special names for the months to honor others. Any time you get to highlight somebody’s life is impactful in a lot of ways, and for students specifically, I think it’s wonderful when they can find someone to study that might have a connection to themselves,” says Mrs. Conneely, 8th grade social studies teacher. “Whether that’s something happening in women’s history or Italian American history or Native American history, I love the idea of students being able to be exposed to people that are different but also find connections to people that look like them or talk like them or are connected to them in some way.”
For many Native Americans, seeing Tallchief’s achievements recognized is a reminder that their history and contributions to society are worth celebrating. Her success in a non-Native field highlights the importance of visibility and hard work.
“I think that it’s important for all of us to be exposed to things that we’re not normally exposed to and we may learn things that we didn’t already know,” adds Mrs. Czerwinski, 7th grade science teacher. “I think it’s important for everyone to see themselves represented and sometimes a group doesn’t see themselves represented often, and so I think it makes a big difference, especially to kids, when they see themselves represented on a regular basis. Months like Native-American Heritage bring our attention to things that we maybe otherwise wouldn’t give our attention to.”
Students also recognize the impact.
Brandon Moss, 8th grade, states, “Maria Tallchief she should be in Native American Heritage Month because a lot of different people with a lot of different jobs also are named American Heritage Month and they are appreciated as much and she was while she was a ballerina it also helped create an expression of dance that a lot of Native Americans follow.”
Bailey Capasso, 6th grade, adds, “There wasn’t a lot of dancing back then, so she basically was the first to step up. What we know as dancing now is because of her, so it’s very important because without her, dancing wouldn’t be the same.”
Honoring Maria Tallchief during Native American Heritage Month not only celebrates her achievements but also educates the public about Native American contributions to arts, culture, and history – areas where their stories are often overlooked. Her story connects to the past and present, inspiring pride and unity within Native American communities while also grabbing the attention among non-Native audiences.
What foods or family traditions have a special meaning to you?
By JASMINE GAO
Food plays a meaningful role in the family traditions of both students and teachers in Roosevelt Intermediate School. Individuals from a wide range of family backgrounds have shared foods that have a special significance to them and their loved ones. Honoring diverse heritages through a variety of dishes is a powerful way to showcase Roosevelt’s diversity.
8th-grader Ashley Perez stated, “A food that has a special meaning to me is my dad’s pumpkin soup. This is because he’s made it for me ever since I was a baby, and it has always been my comfort food. It’s something that I hope to pass on.” Her words show the feeling of warmth provided from something as simple as soup.
Mrs. Ainley shared her story by saying, “At Christmas, we serve a lot of Swedish food, such as a lot of different fishes like Herring Cod. I learned how to bake a very specific logo of Swedish bread that’s very complicated and involved a lot of research on my part, but it made me feel good to honor past generations of my family.”
Her dedication and effort to bring back old family traditions helps bridge the past and present.
Mila Hergan, 7th grade, added, “Every Jewish holiday, we buy soup from this little place called Deli King, and then we always make latkes.”
Her fellow classmate and 7th-grader Jesus Rey shared, “I’m from Colombia, so every holiday there are empanadas served.” It is truly wonderful to see students embracing their ethnic backgrounds!
Christopher Schwartz, 6th grade, shared his Christmas family tradition by commenting, “My family tradition for Christmas is making a magic cookie. They’re called the Magic Cookie Bars. It’s made with condensed milk, peanuts, and it’s granola. It’s super chocolatey and yummy!”
His enthusiasm for spending time with his loved ones is a reminder that both holidays and baking can bring families together.
7th grader Rhyan Sporer told us, “Every Christmas, my mom makes mac and cheese. Also, my aunt makes really good brownies. That’s a family tradition that we have.” Both simple dishes and those who took the time to make them can have their place in students’ hearts.
Meals and treats do more than just fill our stomachs. Roosevelt Intermediate School has students and teachers from a variety of backgrounds. Food and family traditions help bring people together and allow them to stay connected with their family’s story. What foods are a part of yours?