Monday - 2.20.23

We started our day today bright and early again with a nice, fresh breakfast in Hotel Platino. We definitely needed a good meal because of all the activities that were in store for us at Colegio Padre Emiliano Tardif. 

Today was such a special day. We were in awe of the talent that the students of Padre Emiliano Tardif displayed for us. They had been practicing for months to prepare for our visit and it was very evident when we arrived. 

We were greeted by all of the students waving to us from the balconies of the buildings. Then, a live band (made up of their students!) played bachata and merengue songs for us while everyone danced together. The Dominican students taught us some awesome moves and had a great time dancing to the music with us.

The early morning dance party was followed by a procession to their multi-use area (like an auditorium) where we were met with a formal act of reception and then a  jaw-dropping talent show that was so fun and entertaining to watch.  The CPET students surprised us after with our own personal Carnaval celebration!

Before all of the relay races and other activities began, we presented our national anthem and then the CPET students presented theirs. Both were AMAZING and we all had chills after both performances. We then gave a speech to say thank you to all of the students and staff from CPET.

During the ceremony, Profesor Neix Santana and the school's founder Narciso González awarded me with a plaque on behalf of Colegio Padre Emiliano Tardif for helping to set up this memorable event. I was humbled and honored to receive that recognition. I was certainly not expecting any type of recognition, much less an award and I was so incredibly moved. It was an emotional moment for me and I will never forget it.

Following the opening ceremony, all of the students formed 6 teams and competed in a series of relay races! The teams were intentionally made up of students from both schools so that they would work together to try and win the series of events.

After the relay races, it was time for lunch and what an incredible meal they set up for us. The presentation was beyond impressive and the food was even better. All of us sat with the students of CPET (Colegio Padre Emiliano Tardif) and engaged in conversations. 

 Finally, it was time for a pool party and all o the students enjoyed each other's company. An impromptu dance session broke out towards the end of the pool party and most of our students left as bachata, merengue, and salsa experts.

To say that today was an incredible day would be an understatement. We formed many friendships and learned about the Dominican culture. We practiced our Spanish and shared a meaningful day with our new friends from Colegio Padre Emiliano Tardif.

Presenting the Dominican students with their Edgemont shirts!