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.

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