- December 5, 2025
ITMS eighth-graders Shantal Hanna and Chasey Pannell dance while wearing clothes to represent Colombia and Peru, respectively. Photo by Paige Wilson
Eighth-grader Alana Portas, representing the art department, holds up a self-portrait she painted in the style of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo while dressed as Kahlo. Photo by Paige Wilson
Dance group Raices, which means roots in Spanish, performs a traditional Colombian dance. Photo by Paige Wilson
Alexis Bennett represents Costa Rica. Photo by Paige Wilson
Eighth-graders Aliana Vitalis and Destiny Dorsey pose in the photo booth. Photo by Paige Wilson
ITMS Spanish teacher Christina Gilliam poses with eighth-graders Hailey Gearst, Shantal Hanna and Jonas Winter. Photo by Paige Wilson
Peru JAX performs a traditional Peruvian dance. Photo by Paige Wilson
Eighth-graders Sean Gilliam, Hailey Gearst and Madelynn Oliva represent Guatemala. Photo by Paige Wilson
Eighth-grader Rachel Pladdys represents the history department while dressed as Isabella I, a queen of Spain. Photo by Paige Wilson
Maritza Cortes volunteers to serve food during the festival. Photo by Paige Wilson
The goal Indian Trails Middle School Spanish teacher Christina Gilliam had for the school’s first Hispanic festival was for students and the community to learn about differences and embrace similarities.
Between the ITMS band, chorus, art and history departments and the Spanish Club, Gilliam said over 150 students participated to make the inaugural Hispanic festival a success for about 300 visitors on Thursday, Feb. 15.
“Everybody brings something to the table, always,” Gilliam said. “They are so different, but, when you put them together, you can pick out the difference, but also something in common. All these kids are eager to learn if you open the right doors.”
Twenty Hispanic countries were researched and presented by members of the ITMS Spanish Club at the festival.
“Some of the students have families that were born in that country, so it was a great opportunity for them to learn about their culture,” said Gilliam, who is Colombian.
Eighth-grader Alexis Bennett said she was fascinated to learn about Costa Rica for her project.
“It’s actually very interesting that they’re kind of like us,” Bennett said. “They just speak a different language, but most of the sports we have here, they have there.”
Traditional Peruvian and Colombian dances were performed by dance groups Peru JAX and Raices. A student art exhibit was on display where several eighth-graders dressed up as artists from Hispanic countries and showcased self-portraits they created in the style of their chosen artist.
“I have always been passionate about teaching about culture because I feel like if you teach about culture, you can teach about respect, and that’s one of my main goals,” Gilliam said.
Flagler School Board members Janet McDonald and Maria Barbosa enjoyed the festival.
“When (Gilliam) gets an idea, it explodes and turns into a wonderful thing like this,” McDonald said.
