Riverhead High School Students Explore Worldwide Mythology
Students Demonstrate Creativity with Exceptional Projects Honoring Various Cultures
RIVERHEAD, NEW YORK (DECEMBER 2022) — After reading Sophocles’ tragedy Antigone, Riverhead High School students in Jessica Guadagnino’s class completed projects such as sewing dresses, writing children’s books and baking sweets, all based on mythologies from cultures around the world.
“The students did an incredible job and truly engaged with mythological material they selected,” said Ms. Guadagnino. “They showcased their ingenuity and skill, and I was overjoyed to provide a project they were so eager to explore.”
The projects of the students in the tenth-grade honors English course demonstrated their vast interests and expertise. Renee Marcks designed and hand-sewed a dress to represent Celtic mythological figure Morrigan. Renata De Paz Abreu and Emma Acritelli wrote a children’s book based on the Aboriginal myth of the Seven Sisters, and Hannah Schmidt and Giada Lospinuso authored a book on the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice. Sadie Kennedy Jaffe, Mya Marelli, Alexis Daccus and Kayleanne Campbell baked Hawaiian donuts for their project on Polynesian mythology, and Annabelle Dunn made a shortbread to compliment her presentation on Celtic mythology. Erin Hubbard and Erika Last wrote a children’s book about the Maori myth of Rona and the Moon and made a movie for it as well, and ThankGod Amole, Paul Giljum and Dean Redmond delivered a presentation on Yoruba mythology.
“We are excited to grant students the ability to engage in these unique forms of learning that uplift their creativity and allow them to understand various cultures,” said Riverhead High School Principal Sean O’Hara.
Renee Marcks and the dress she made to represent Celtic figure Morrigan
From left, Renata De Paz Abreu, Emma Acritelli, Hannah Schmidt and Giada Lospinuso with the children’s books they wrote
From left, Sadie Kennedy Jaffe, Mya Marelli, Alexis Daccus and Kayleanne Campbell with their Hawaiian donuts
Annabelle Dunn with her shortbread to accompany her Celtic mythology presentation
Erin Hubbard and Erika Last with their book and movie on Maori myth
ThankGod Amole in traditional Yoruba dress with Paul Giljum and Dean Redmond