Hubbard students learn significance of Mardi Gras

BROOKFIELD

Hubbard High School French teacher Jenna Evans wanted to teach students the cultural significance of Mardi Gras, beyond what most people perceive as a holiday that gives them a reason to eat, drink and earn colorful beads.

To bring her classroom lesson on the holiday to life, she started an annual Mardi Gras event for her French Club students at the Tiffany Banquet Center.

More than 100 students were at the event Tuesday afternoon, enjoying the Mardi Gras music and cuisine.

“I hope this becomes a long-standing tradition,” Evans said. “I hope people are mindful of the cultural significance of this day and not just how the media shows it.”

Each student partakes in a swing dance lesson from Fred Astaire Dance Studio teachers, eats authentic creole cuisine and decorates a king cake. A baby made of sugar is hidden in the cake, and whoever gets the piece with the baby in it is designated the king or queen of Mardi Gras.

Evans said the school has had Mardi Gras events for the past 14 years, but just started featuring new elements such as a dance lesson a few years ago.

Read more about the event in Wednesday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.