For a more refined experience,

the winners of the school's recitation contest give dramatic readings

of their poetry in between the soothing sounds of Fayette Middle's string

orchestra.

"The way the festival

is put together is really neat. Each venue is visibly different from the

next. People go from the wild and loud cafeteria to the refined presentations

in the media center," Mitchell commented.

For those who are interested

in creating something from clay, Mitchell's eighth grade students are

scheduled to conduct clay demonstrations and mini-workshops in the art

room. There will also be weaving demonstrations.

Outdoors, a group of skateboarders,

who call themselves 411 Amateur Skate Demo, plan to wow audiences with

their jumps and moves.

"We added skateboarding

to the festival last year. This is a hard thing that these students do.

It takes a lot of talent and creativity and it is a form of art,"

Mitchell said.

When guests want to take a

break from all of the festivities, they can relax in the 1950s café

in the commons area and enjoy edible works of art such as lemonade, cookies

and popcorn prepared by the home economics department.

When Mitchell first started

the festival, she says her goal was to create an activity where everyone

at the school could participate regardless of involvement in the arts.

Virtually every student who wants to showcase a talent at the festival

can do so. Even if students do not want to perform or display something,

they are invited to help create banners and posters that hang in the school

to direct guests to the different venues that evening.

"We have over 900 students

at the school and almost every child has something exhibited in some form.

This is a good, unified and beautiful event where everyone has something

going on somewhere," Mitchell added.

There are no admission charges

to enter the festival. Mitchell said everyone is used to donating money

to different causes and events, so she decided that for one night out

of the year the school community should be able to enjoy the cultures

and talents of the students at no cost.