Students celebrate culture at Challenger

SPRING HILL - HILL Lingering outside a particularly fragrant classroom at Challenger K-8 School of Science and Mathematics on Wednesday, Carter Bolesta, 13, poked his head in.
"I could just smell the culture," he intoned, sliding up to teacher Ronica Kotran between classes. "May I have a slice of culture, please?"
Of course, Kotran said.
After all, as part of the school's annual two-day "culture fest," gaining an appreciation and awareness for food from other cultures was part of the fun.
Sixth-grade students dressed in costume and sung songs in different languages, including Japanese and Chinese, and spent two days celebrating their own unique culture in specific coursework activities during math, language arts and reading classes.
"It's an interdisciplinary way of celebrating each student's culture," said Kotran, who teaches Quest, a gifted course.
With co-teacher Jennifer Kean decked out in a Japanese Kimono, Kotran wore a festive red party dress and black shawl, courtesy of her mother, who is Ukrainian.
"I just remember her wearing it around when I was younger," she said.
The kids, however, spoke most enthusiastically about the activities' two-day culture "feast," for which they each brought a covered dish.
"We each brought a dish that celebrates our cultural background," explained Kyle Eppley, 12.
He sheepishly admitted he found his recipe for German chocolate brownies on the internet.
"It's not an old family recipe or anything," Kyle said.
But no one seemed to know the difference.
"Delicious," Carter commented, waltzing out with a plateful.