Index Indice Ensayistas de alto nivel Pan-American Magazine April 2010 - Year 3 - N° 8
Board of Directors Francis Durman E. President James D. Genis C. Vice-president Ernesto Castegnaro O. Treasurer Cecilia Genis M. Secretary Ileana Contreras I. Member-at-Large
Valeria Zárate y Mauricio Esquivel obtuvieron reconocimientos en el XI Concurso Nacional de Ensayo Científico P. 12
Alegría Lores L. General Director
Eduardo Muñoz S. Editor Iván Pacheco León Graphic Designers
Pan-American School Phones (506) 2298-5700 (506) 2293-7393 www.panam.ed.cr info@panam.ed.cr San Antonio de Belén, 300 m South of El Rodeo Restaurant Heredia, Costa Rica Accredited by
Approved by
Still Holding up the banner! For 26 years, Hilde Haehner has combined her family life with her career as Pan-American teacher. P. 18
Passionate for Medicine Soon, our alumna, Marissa Durman will complete her studies in Medicine. She shares her memories with Pan-American Magazine P. 25
Estimule el apetito de sus hijos P.24 Summer at PAS P.14 Project Chile: Sending Hope Through Art P.27
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Pan-American School
From my Desk Alegría Lores L. General Director direcciongeneral@panam.ed.cr
Message from the Board President
Una década fructífera
Francis Durman Presidente de la Junta Directiva
Este año comenzamos la segunda década del siglo XXI. Al principio, nuestras inquietudes como institución, y como ciudadanos nos hicieron reflexionar sobre nuestro rol en el nuevo milenio. En esta década emprendimos grandes proyectos estructurales que han colocado a nuestro campus como uno de los mejores del país, según el estudio de la Revista EKA, publicado a mediados del año pasado. Esto no es casualidad, sino fruto de nuestro compromiso con las familias panamericanas de realizar inversiones significativas que incidan en la calidad de la educación que reciben sus hijas e hijos. Al concluir esta década habremos avanzado mucho más, pero las metas que nos hemos planteado como padres y directivos nos impulsan a continuar construyendo una institución educativa cuyo prestigio trascienda nuestras fronteras. Es un objetivo ambicioso, ¡pero no imposible! El acelerado siglo XXI nos impone nuevos desafíos cada año. Sabemos que esta es una época cuya riqueza radica en el conocimiento y por eso nuestro propósito es, y lo seguirá siendo, que las innovaciones pedagógicas permitan que nuestros estudiantes se acerquen al mundo con nuevas miradas. Finalmente, aunque suene trillado, y estoy conciente de eso, quiero extenderle a todas nuestras familias en nombre de la Junta Directiva y el personal panamericano nuestro agradecimiento por depositar sus mayores tesoros en nuestras manos. Les agradecemos que nos permitan cada día convertir nuestras aulas en ventanas al mundo, en caminos de oportunidades para sus hijos e hijas quienes son el motor que impulsa nuestras acciones cotidianas.
This issue highlights our reason for being: “To prepare well-rounded students through a bilingual education with an emphasis on values, research, technology, service learning, and a commitment to the environment.” This mission is most vividly evidenced through our recent graduates, the Class of 2009. Finishing High School involves more than earning passing grades in every subject and the Ministry of Education exams. It also means preparing to for life after High School. This, for Pan-American graduates, means selecting a college and a career. We take this part of our mission very seriously. This year, to strengthen our program and follow each student’s progress throughout the decision-making process, we have organized the Career and College Counseling Group. This is an interdisciplinary team of professionals focussed on making sure that each student receives the guidance and information needed at each step of the process. René Sandoval, through the Human Relations and Psychology classes, aims primarily to help each student identify his/her talents, aptitudes, and preferences that will affect career choices. Marcela Sobrado helps students wishing to start their college education in Costa Rica prepare and follow the appropriate steps to be admitted to the university and career of choice. She also assists students who choose to enter colleges in the United States and elsewhere prepare their admissions packet. Glenn Courtland specializes in helping students interested in study abroad to access the large range of opportunities available to them, by choosing their electives, co-curricular, and extra-curricular activities carefully, and then writing quality essays that are required for the admissions process, as well as research college options that best fit their needs and aspirations. Also involved to ensure a well-rounded and thorough process are Lucienne Azuola, Psychologist; and Yanet Odio and Tony Tipton, High School Vice-Principal and Principal, respectively. Based on my experience as a College and Career Counselor in the United States, I coordinate our monthly meetings and help the group to move forward. Once a Pan-American student, always a Pan-American student. We are family; you can count on us to continue supporting you throughout your college career. Congratulations, Class of 2009, and best wishes in your career pursuits!
Pan-American School
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A privileged generation 2009 Class must work to preserve our planet Eduardo Muñoz eduardo.munoz@panam.ed.cr
With a motivational message to the 2009 graduates, guest speaker Eleonora Badilla Saxe exhorted them to face the 21st Century challenges with a commitment to preserve our planet. Currently Director of the Academic Assessment Center of the University of Costa Rica, Eleonora Badilla has had an outstanding career as university professor and researcher in education and technology projects. The ceremony took place last December 12th and marked a milestone in the lives of dozens of our teenagers who have now become college students in different institutions (see list). During the ceremony our 33 graduates also applauded their classmate Luis Alonso Fernández Lara, Valedictorian, who in addition received the Marissa Durman Award for Excellence. Fernández Lara ranked number 38 among thousands of students who took the academic aptitude test administered by Costa Rican public universities.
Both Luis Fernandez as well as Carolina Russi, Salutatorian, delivered speeches which emphasized their commitment to excellence and their gratitude to their families, in the first place, and also to all the people who contributed to their academic and personal development during their years at Pan-American School. “In this school I have learned many academic skills that I know will be very useful in the future, but most important, I have learned that with hard work and perseverance everything is possible. That is why excellence is not a skill, but an attitude. It is not about being perfect or having the best grades; it is about giving the best of yourself until you excel”, said Russi. “It is a new world we are facing now. I know it is scary and at the same time exciting, but despite all that, never lose yourselves. Don’t let the fear of falling hold you down. Tommy Lasorda, a famous pitcher, says: The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a person's determination". In closing she noted: "Success is a journey not a destination. So enjoy the ride”.
Graduates pose for one of their last photos together at the Graduation Prom on November 27th at the Marriott Hotel.
A privilege and two challenges Addressing an emotional Pan-American audience of graduates and their families, Eleonora Badilla Saxe stressed the responsibility of each of us toward society. She said these graduates represent “life’s desire to perpetuate itself and though they have come through us, we do not own them because they own themselves. And while we can shelter them in our homes, we cannot see, even in our dreams, the home of their souls. Because their souls reside in the future”. That future, she said, will be led by the generation called
(Photo by Ciudad Fotográfica)
Digital Natives who have unlimited human capabilities that allow them to do things our previous generations could not even imagine, like the ability for multitasking which can be detected even in early stages of development. Badilla told the 2009 Class that “You have been privileged with a high-quality education. This puts you in a privileged position of leadership and gives you access to endless opportunities. It is precisely this education and all the knowledge you will continue to acquire that allows you to take advantage of opportunities and become leaders of progress. You must remember,
Primer grupo entra a Middle School El 2 de diciembre del 2009, 43 estudiantes panamericanos recibieron su diploma de conclusión de estudios primarios. Fue el ultimo grupo que se graduará de sexto grado, porque a partir del año 2010, Elementary School concluirá en el quinto grado, y pasarán a la nueva Escuela Media o Middle School. Este nivel agrupa a estudiantes de sexto y sétimos años y ofrece un programa de estudios que les facilitará su inserción a High School.
Sixth Grade Class
however, that this privilege comes with two challenges. The first is to develop a commitment toward preserving our planet." She urged them to “Preach by example, be it in the classroom, workplace, in assignments or workshops. Support initiatives to create awareness. And if possible, use your education, your talents and your creativity in proposing innovative ideas to protect life on our planet”. "The second challenge is to make a commitment to help educate other people who do not have access to the education system or receive poor education. Put your leadership at the service of education for all. I say this because on the one hand our privilege forces us to think about others, and on the other hand we all benefit from an educated society.”
María Gabriela Alpízar Montealegre Marisol Acosta Lachner María José Arroyo Jiménez Valeria Aspinall Harvey Roberto Barrantes López Sofía Berrocal Cordero Marianne Birkner Alier Javier Casla Frigols Luis Felipe Castro Rodriguez Maricruz Cordero Robert Mariano Duursma Cortés Amanda Fumero Guerra Sergio Roberto Fumero Mora Alejandro Genis Rojas Jimena González Solís Tomás Francisco Guzmán González Manrique Guzmán Valverde Lucas Hernández Lara Thomas Jenkins Galva Alexa Kopper Bonilla Paloma Leitón Gordon Roberta Mata Mendívil Francisco Javier Mesalles Ramírez Enrique Mora Vargas Carlos Roberto Ordóñez Lapeira Diego Osante Polini Federico Alberto Pacheco Gutiérrez Beatriz Padilla Jimenez Florencia Quirce Carvajal Enrique Ramírez Martínez Pía Nicole Robert Barahona Nicolás Antonio Rodríguez Florez-Estrada Fernán Rohrmoser Herrmann Alberto Rojas Peláez Andrés Ruenes Marroquín Alberto Sibaja Soto Sebastián Guillermo Antonio Solís Monge Teresa Spini Niccolini Eduardo Uribe Mora Marianne Volio Soto Javier Zamora Aguayo Tehany Zárate Segnini Stefano Zoffoli Volio
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Pan-American Magazine
PAS Graduates Enter Prestigious Colleges in Costa Rica and Abroad Everyone was in great spirits during the Graduation Prom. Soon students would receive their diplomas which marked the end of this stage of their lives and the start of higher education and professional preparation. (Photo by Ciudad Fotográfica)
Following your dreams “Each of you will follow your dreams and life projects in a different way, using all your personal resources and skills. This is a group that has been able to combine the pursuit for academic excellence with the development of personal skills and talents in arts and sports. Noted for their solidarity, this group has also demonstrated serious commitment towards community service”, said Alegría Lores, General Director, in her opening speech. Andrés Carballo, Student Council President, added, “You are now young adults, and you make our school very proud. I applaud you for having kept your artistic occupations while balancing them with your academic excellence. This aspect really reflected your willingness to show how a responsible student is challenged but never loses the ambition to enjoy the ride of it.” High School Principal Yanet Odio also conveyed a message to the graduates. “You have learned to know about yourself, you have identified your strong and weak areas and therefore can prepare a very good map for your future… The future is not a gift, it is something you build. You build it with your illusions, your willpower, your perseverance, your talents and the support and help of your families, your friends and teachers”.
All of our graduates go on to higher education, and following is a sample of colleges in Costa Rica and elsewhere that have accepted PAS graduates in recent years: Universidad de Costa Rica Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica Universidad Latina Universidad Veritas UCIMED Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) University of Texas Purdue University Texas A&M University University of Michigan Louisiana State University (LSU) Savannah College of Arts & Design (SCAD) Massachusetts College of Art & Design Duke University University of Southern California (USC) University of Virginia (UVA) New York University (NYU) Pratt Institute Virginia Polytechnic Institute Babson College Stanford University University of Pennsylvania Wentworth Institute of Technology Emory University Southern Methodist University Lewis & Clark College Instituto Tecnológico de Monterrey (México) Universidad de Navarra (España)
Another dream come true!
Pan-American Magazine
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First Pan-American Graduate at MIT Eduardo Muñoz eduardo.munoz@panam.ed.cr
Luis Alfonso Fernández Lara, class of 2009 never doubted he would make it to a world-renowned university. His dream was to be accepted at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to pursue studies in Electrical Engineering. Nevertheless, Luis Alfonso was extremely excited when he received a call on March 15th from the MIT Admissions Department announ his acceptance. MIT is rate the top rate EE School in the USA. It has earned worldwide recognition for pioneer research in a variety of scientific fields. This is our first a Pan-American student accepted at MIT and he joins the now the long list of Pan-American graduates attending worldwide prestigious colleges. This achievement comes as a result of his excellent performance at PanAmerican School, where he earned the 2004 Mister Scholarship granted to students meeting high academic and conduct standards for grades 4 to 6 . Luis enrolled in many activities such as extra-curriculum clubs, United Nations Model and was twice electedStudentCouncilPresident (for two consecutive years). “I did everything I wanted to do and did it well, always giving the best of myself”, said Luis during a brief interview one day when he returned to our campus to prepare for earning college credits through the Advanced Placement program. Now Luis Alfonso is getting ready to pack his bags and head for Cambridge, Massachusetts in April to check
out his new home. While he waits for the college year to start, Luis will attend one semester at the University of Costa Rica because he feels he needs to “live the transition between High School and College --two completely different worlds”.
A reward for hard work For Luis Fernández this new stage in his life is a payoff for his direct approach to every challenge he faced at PanAmerican School. “The life lesson I learned was to never say no to anything, although I know it’s easier to say no”. Fernández looks back at his school years and recalls a lot of homework, research and long study hours. “I learned you need to keep a balance in your life because even though we may have a lot of work, we have to find time for our friends and
always keep our academic goals in perspective. In the end… it has been very rewarding”. Last year Pan-American School granted Luis Fernández two recognitions. First he was the winner of the Marissa Durman Award for Excellence in exemplifying PAS values. This was only the third time this Award was given; the two other prize winners were former students Marissa Durman and María del Mar Penichet. In addition, Fernández was chosen Valedictorian for the graduation ceremony on December 12th, 2009, delivering a speech to an audience of proud parents, peers, family and school staff, who could not hide their excitement over seeing a new generation complete high school and prepare to explore the challenges of new opportunities. In his speech, Luis thanked all the people who had guided him and his generation and ended by saying “We thank you all for the opportunity to show who we are and to excel at what we love.” After college Luis Fernández is not sure what he will do, but he is certain he will return to Costa Rica, “I have a commitment to return to my home country and share and practice my acquired knowledge; this is why I admire Franklin Chang”. Pan-American can only say to Luis Fernández Lara, his generation and every former Pan-Am student: “You will always receive a warm welcome at your first Alma Mater”, or, in the words of Luis: “We will always have a place here”. Luis Fernández Lara was accepted at the renowned Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to pursue studies in Electrical Engineering. (Photo Eduardo Muñoz)
Finishing the 2009 School Year With Zest! Caroline Magnus carolinem@panam.ed.cr
Last year was full of many wonderful school events. One of the most colorful was our traditional Early Childhood, Preparatory and First Grade End-of-Year Presentation, held during first week of December. For various weeks beforehand, as is customary, students and their teachers rehearsed for this important occasion. Once again, each level presented painted a cultural picture of the country they had studied throughout the year. Everyone was able to enjoy songs, dances, and cultural vignettes from Ecuador, Holland, USA, Brazil, and Italy. Toddlers from PlayKids danced in Ecuadorian costumes made by their parents. PreKinder children sang Christmas carols in Dutch, and Kinder students sang in English. Preparatory girls and boys showed us an interesting mosaic of Brazilian life focusing on the beaches, sports and Carnaval, among others. First Graders presented an overview of Italy including art, fashion designing, the automobile industry, food, and soccer. Our final number was an ambitious musical medley with the participation of all these youngsters and prepared by their music teachers. Back in the classrooms, we all had an opportunity to reflect on the event, before going home for a well-deserved vacation! (Photos Eduardo Mu単oz)
Cuentos panamericanos El año pasado, los niños y niñas de segundo grado no solo aprendieron sobre el diptongo, sino que se dieron a la tarea de escribir relatos breves acerca de él. Fueron muchos los relatos, pero presentamos a continuación unos pocos para demostrar que imaginación y aprendizaje van de la mano.
a sa embrujad Ana, Ena, a c la n e s le n a Las voca ue se llamab
les q e z unas voca eja casa qu Había una ve ron a una vi e fu se ía ró d to na. Un uerta se les a Ina, Ona y U ntraron, la p e o d n a u C da. era embruja a! Pero salir. n ar otra salid sc u y no podía b a s o m a a idea. ¡Va or favor! Un Ana tuvo un ijo: ¡Vamos p d a n O . n quería Ina y Una no dijeron ¡Ok! n a pensar y ro za encontraron e p m e e Ina n hasta que ro a sc u b y n uscaro Buscaron y b siempre. n felices para ro e fu y a lid una sa Gutiérrez Autor Felipe
Pan-American Magazine
Buscando las vocales Un día cogí un libro e intenté leerlo y no lograba entender las palabras, entonces me di cuenta que faltaban las vocales. Entonces me puse a buscarlas. En una tienda me encontré a la “a” y a la “i”. Luego fui a la cafetería y me encontré a la “e” y a la “u”. Al final fui al parque y me encontré a la “o”, los niños estaban subidos sobre ella pues pensaban que era un neumático. Las reuní y se pusieron tan felices de estar juntas que saltaron al libro y así pude leer mi libro. ¡Qué suerte que las encontré! Autora: Romina Bartoli
Las vocales Había una vez unas niñas que se llamaban Ana, Ena, Ina, Ona y Una. Vivían en un castillo, eran princesas y eran muy buenas. Pero un día, el papá de ellas que era el rey Aeiou les dijo: -Pueden salir afuera. Entonces fueron Ana, Ena y Ona pero Ina y Una tenían miedo. Al día siguiente fueron otra vez afuera pero otra vez no quisieron. Ana agarró la mano de Ina, entonces fueron afuera e Ina no tuvo ya miedo y Ena agarró la mano de Una y Una no tuvo más miedo. Autora: Daniela Contreras
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Pan-American Magazine
Ensayistas panamericanos destacan en concurso nacional
Dos estudiantes recibieron reconocimientos Eduardo Muñoz eduardo.munoz@panam.ed.cr
La satisfacción no pudo ser mayor, porque por segundo año consecutivo dos estudiantes panamericanos recibieron el pasado 20 de noviembre del 2009 reconocimientos durante la premiación del XI Concurso Nacional de Ensayo Científico, convocado por Fundación CIENTEC, realizada en el auditorio Clodomiro Picado de la Univerisidad Nacional en Heredia. Esta vez, la panamericana Valeria Zárate Segnini ganó la categoría de ensayo en idioma español. Por su parte, Mauricio Esquivel Fallas recibió una mención honorífica por el trabajo presentado a los jueces que deliberaron entre todos los escritos en idioma Inglés. El tema propuesto por los organizadores fue "Comunidad, innovación y derechos en la red", y en ambos casos
escribieron sobre sus preocupaciones con respecto a las redes sociales y al uso responsable de la Internet como un instrumento para el desarrollo del conocimiento. El año pasado, Adriana Esquivel, hermana de Mauricio, fue galardonada con el primer lugar de ensayo en Inglés, con la temática de la comunicación y la tecnología. Según Alejandra León, directora ejecutiva de la Fundación CIENTEC, “el concurso invita a estudiantes de secundaria a desarrollar su creatividad a través de la expresión de sus perspectivas y opiniones en un ensayo sobre el tema del 2009”. Como parte de la motivación dada a los participantes, CIENTEC les planteó que “la Internet ha transformado la vida de las personas, interconectándolas y dando acceso a información, música, videos y demás. Esta red potencia la creatividad y el trabajo colaborativo en el desarrollo de nuevos productos, pero frecuentemente genera conflictos entre el fácil acceso y los derechos de autor. Algunos grupos, como Creative Commons, han iniciado un movimiento global para facilitar el proceso”. A partir de ahí, los jóvenes escritores, entre los 13 y los 18 años, debían escribir un texto original e inédito de 750 palabras, y todos con el título "Comunidad, innovación y derechos en la red". Este certamen inició en 1999 con el apoyo de entidades públicas y privadas. En su primera década premió a 53 jóvenes destacados y sus ensayos ganadores están expuestos en la internet, donde reciben cientos de visitas semanales. Desde el 2008, el concurso se realiza paralelamente en los idiomas español e inglés. El jurado que dictaminó los ganadores en Español fueron Rolando Coto y Maritza Mena, delegados de la Universidad de Costa Rica; Margoth Mena, representante de CIENTEC; Marco Chaves, del Ministerio de Ciencia y Tecnología (MICIT), (UCR) y Seidy Alfaro del Consejo Nacional para Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICIT). En Inglés, la responsabilidad recayó en Bianchinetta Benavides, Nandayure Valenzuela y Olga Chávez, todas ellas de la Universidad Nacional. Valeria Zárate Segnini y Mauricio Esquivel Fallas fueron galardonados en el XI Concurso Nacional de Ensayo Científico, en las categorías de ensayo en Español e Inglés, respectivamente. (Foto: Eduardo Muñoz)
Valería Zárate Segnini Extracto del ensayo de
rado atrapar la ook y MySpace han log “páginas como Faceb ante, captando una manera impresion atención del público de nos por igual. los adultos y los ancia el interés de los niños, forma de pasar tuales no son sólo una Estas comunidades vir bién poderosas gente nueva, son tam el tiempo, o de conocer ividuos que e interacción entre ind fuentes de información creando en el s gustos e intereses, comparten los mismo pertenencia.” usuario un sentido de ros derechos ados acerca de nuest “…hay que estar inform del maravilloso disfrutar con plenitud básicos en la red para a importancia os derechos son de sum mundo del Internet…est mordial, ya que ecial que considero pri pero hay uno en esp ra de navegar la seguridad a la ho este se relaciona con rmite saber que de privacidad nos pe en la red. La política la página Web que se nos pidan en los datos personales correctamente y n van a ser utilizados para nuestra afiliació ro consentimiento án difundidos sin nuest sobretodo, que no ser imo derecho es co no deseado. Este últ ni expuestos ante públi d legalmente” tege nuestra identida fundamental porque pro
Grupo Sulé le invita a sus cursos 2010: Programa Diseño y Decoración de Interiores Consta de 9 cursos. Usted como Diseñador(a) de interiores podrá trabajar en forma independiente o con profesionales del ramo.
Sedes: - Montes de Oca Martes 5:30 p.m. a 8:30 p.m. - Belén Miércoles 5:30 p.m. a 8:30 p.m.
Excerpt from Mauricio Esquivel's Essay “Because it’s so acces sible it has become a ver y important aspect of people’s da ily lives. If think abou t it, significant aspects of the world depend on this sole invention: with a few clicks people rea d the news, buy divers e objects and communicate with oth ers.” “Social networking site s are being develop ed across the globe and growing by the minute; individua ls are meeting new people, keeping in touch and reconne cting with old friends, all through the Internet. The web can be a place of rejoices and friendshi p; however, this utopia n view of it can be shaded by the da rker sides of the Intern et and proper safety and discretion is needed to maintain thi s status.” “In our hands lies the power to the responsi ble usage of the Internet, a place with power of colos sal magnitudes that should be handled with care. We must be careful and ingenious of the way we use the web; we ha ve to see that by understanding its powe r and using it for good the possibilities of prosperity are endle ss.”
Descuento Especial para PAS Staff
Solicite programas a: Info@gruposule.com Envíenos un correo y le mantendremos informado sobre nuevos cursos y programas Solicite nuestra lista de cursos em la empresa Director: Carlos Coto Céspedes Teléfono: 25-30-12-20, cel. 88-96-73-33 Fax: 25-30-11-84 e-mail: carlos.coto@gruposule.com
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t n e m l l fi l u : F S c i A m P e t d a a r c e A m d n a , l Sum a n o i t o m E , l a i c o S Pan-American School
Lorena Frias Language Support Coordinator lorena.frias@panam.ed.cr
School vacation is the time when families usually plan various activities that help them relax and spend more time together. Consequently, most either travel in or out of our country or make plans to enjoy activities at home. It is also a time to renew old friendships or make new ones. Others might say that it is a time to learn or reinforce skills in different areas, academic, artistic or athletic. January at PAS is the month for all that. Splashing water in a wading pool, creating their own computer avatar, and making a spaceship with boxes were part of the tasks our forty-five Summer Language students did in their twoweek course in January. The small groups ranging from kindergarten through eighth grade also aided their growth in intra and interpersonal abilities. Enthusiasm, excellence, acceptance, and respect were also some of the elements that educators and students shared to make a successful course and a springboard for this new school year.
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Los cursos co-curriculares desarrollan distintos talentos y habilidades en los estudiantes. (Foto Eduardo Muñoz)
Las co-curriculares motivan la autoestima
Estudiantes aprovechan nuevas opciones Mariela Delgado marielad@panam.ed.cr
Con una matrícula de más de 250 estudiantes los cursos co-curriculares iniciaron el pasado 1° de marzo. Nuestra oferta es de aproximadamente 80 actividades semanales para estudiantes desde PreKinder hasta Secundaria, ofreciéndoles una gran variedad de oportunidades para fortalecer su desarrollo integral. Las múltiples opciones fueron presentadas a los estudiantes de Middle School y High School en una feria realizada en febrero, lo que les permitió conocer la oferta co-curricular y de oportunidades para el curso lectivo 2010. Para este año, el Departamento de Producción y Actividades tomó el reto de ampliar su oferta. Oportunidades como Surf, Ska-
ting, Etiqueta y Protocolo, y Mandarín causaron mucha expectativa. Asimismo, las co-curriculares del club de fotografía, expresión artística, drama, bellas artes, taller experimental de matemática y artesanía motivaron a los estudiantes a participar. El objetivo del programa de Cocurriculares es fomentar en los estudiantes la participación en las diferentes disciplinas deportivas, artísticas, culturales e intelectuales. Deseamos el mayor de los éxitos a nuestros estudiantes y esperamos la participación de los padres de familia en las diferentes actividades a las cuales serán invitados. En el Departamento de Producción y Actividades podrá obtener mayor información sobre la clases, llamando al teléfono 2298-5733, o escribiendo al correo electrónico: paspya@panam.ed.cr.
Algunas novedades para este curso lectivo son: Arte Dramático: Es impartida por el profesor Mario Fonseca a estudiantes de todos los niveles. A partir de una serie de experiencias prácticas donde los niños y jóvenes descubrirán sus posibilidades interpretativas tanto dentro como fuera de escena. Mandarín: Se amplió el convenio con el Instituto Berlitz para la enseñanza del mandarín desde Kinder hasta el undécimo año. Club de fotografía: Los participantes aprenden técnicas fotográficas para luego crear publicaciones. Manualidades con Reciclaje: Niños y niñas desde Preparatoria hasta Quinto grado, transforman desechos en obras de arte, lo que incentiva la creatividad con materiales al alcance de todos. Taller Experimental de Matemáticas: Se enfoca en las matemáticas desde un punto de vista creativo, resolviendo problemas de la vida cotidiana utilizando conocimientos matemáticos ya adquiridos y aprendiendo otros nuevos, sin el rigor de una clase formal y sin ninguna presión.
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¡Nos sentimos orgullosos de ser parte de esta gran comunidad!
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Pan-American Magazine
Hilde Haehner
Still holding up the banner! After a score of years she remains as committed as ever Eduardo Muñoz eduardom@panam.ed.cr
One phrase marked the life of Hilde Haehner when she joined Pan-American School for the first time in 1984: “Good teachers are born, not made”. These were the words of Mister, our founding director, as he welcomed her to the Pan-American family. This became the beginning of a fruitful relationship between her family and Pan-American School as she became part of the teaching staff in our former Guachipelín location which “was more than a school; it was a home to all of us, with Mister as the head." Throughout the years we have also seen Hilde fulfill the role of parent as three of her children have completed their education at our school. The two oldest have successful careers, one in Dentistry and the other as a specialized Biology scientist doing post graduate work in New York. Marcela, the youngest, is currently in the 8th grade. For over twenty years Hilde has had to balance her job and family responsibilities. Today, her four children,
Ricardo, Mariano, Federico and Marcela, are her biggest pride and her face beams with excitement every time she talks about their achievements. As she can’t see herself outside the hectic routine that comes with being a teacher, mother, daughter and wife retirement is not yet on her agenda. Her motivation each day, in her own words, is to continue teaching “for as long as I am able to do so."
Love for our school Hilde Haehner is three-quarters German and one fourth Costa Rican, she explained. Although she claims her heart knows no nationality, she married Ricardo Kriebel 32 years ago, whom she met during a tennis tournament in Panama. Coincidently he was another Costa Rican of German descent. They got to know each other between tennis matches and eventually a new family was formed around the same years that PanAmerican School was growing. Hilde joined Pan-American School after her return from the U.S. where she studied Psychology and later Edu-
cation. Again, by coincidence, while she was enrolling her young children in Pan-American School, a friend called to offer her the possibility of working at our school as a Teacher Assistant. This friend was Olga Castilla, whom she describes “as energetic as myself," she said jokingly as she looked back at her first days at Pan-American. During her time at Pan-American School she has taken time off only for maternity leave and to attend family matters. During her leaves of absence she always maintained her bond with the school. “When I started in Guachipelín I fell in love with the small family environment of the school, but then I understood that with the increase of the student population, the infrastructure had to grow”, added Hilde. “I myself have grown a lot, learning to handle more children, new technology and, later on, to share the campus with the High School students”.
As a teacher According to Hilde, academics are important in the teaching process but more so is the need to promote the individuality of every child, develop their social skills, and teach them to respect themselves and others. So, while she gives her best efforts to teach Math or improve English skills, she also strives to maintain an open channel of communication with each student to hear their concerns. Many years have gone by and Hilde continues to love teaching and has a great disposition to learn more and more every day. She has a positive attitude toward change and the challenges that come with progress, because “we as staff members need to learn to adapt to every situation, and to the school's growth. “I remember that Cecilia Genis and I brought the first computer to our school and designed a program to develop laterality skills based on Logo writer”. “This has been my life, I enjoy doing my job and if I have to learn something I’ll put my mind to it”, said this enthusiastic Pan-American teacher. After 26 years of being related to Pan-American School, Hilde Haehner is not contemplating retirement because “feeling useful at all times is the most important thing for me”. For Hilde Haehner Pan-American School is more than a job. It has become her second home and the place where she saw her children grow in knowledge and wisdom.
Hilde Haehner is passionate about teaching and feels honored that many students consider her a model professional as well as a friend. Hilde with Olga Castilla, at the beginning of her career at Pan-American School as Teacher Assistant.
Parents’ Corner
For many children with Asperger Syndrome it is difficult to have friends and fit in socially. Most of them seem to be “in their own world”.
Pan-American Teachers Learn about Asperger Syndrome Tony Tipton Vice Principal High School tony.tipton@panam.ed.cr
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On January 15, 2010, Pan-American School was honored to host Dr. Neill Armstrong, a Professor of Education at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. Dr. Armstrong is an expert in the recognition and management of conditions affecting students’ education such as Asperger Syndrome. About 50 people attended the staff development session including 12 visiting student teachers from Texas who were accompanying Dr. Armstrong. Pan-American School staff and other participants were treated to an interactive learning session that gave a general overview of Asperger symptoms, and offered
many classroom strategies to meet the needs of these exceptional learners. Dr. Armstrong describes the child with Asperger Syndrome as one with very unique characteristics such as social deficits, frequent tantrums, inability to handle changes and a need for extreme structure. He recommends that a unified team of educators, parents and support staff work together to meet the needs of these learners. Dr. Armstrong fielded many valid questions from participants about Asperger Syndrome and left everyone with a greater understanding of this growing concern for parents and educators alike. This conference evidences Pan-American School's commitment to high-quality professional development to help serve our students in the most effective way.
Pan-American Magazine
What is Asperger Syndrome? The Asperger Syndrome (AS) is considerably more common than “classic” Autism (classic autism is estimated to occur in approximately 4 out of every 1,000 children). AS occurrence is becoming increasingly prevalent in the general population; estimates range from 1 out of every 323 births to 1 out of every 150. These numbers are expected to continue to rise. The Asperger Syndrome represents that portion of the Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) continuum which is characterized by higher cognitive abilities (at least normal IQ by definition and sometimes ranging up into the very superior range) and by more normal language function compared to other disorders along the spectrum. In fact, the presence of normal basic language skills is now felt to be one of the criteria for the diagnosis of AS, although there are nearly always more subtle difficulties with pragmatic/social language.
Criteria for a diagnosis of AS The most obvious hallmark of AS (and the characteristic that makes these children so unique and fascinating) is their peculiar, idiosyncratic areas of “special interest”. In contrast to more typical Autism, where the interests are more likely to be objects or parts of objects, in AS the interests appear most often to be specific intellectual areas. Often, when they enter school, or even before, these children will show an obsessive interest in an area such as math, aspects of science, reading, or some aspect of history or geography, wanting to learn everything possible about that subject. In many children, the
areas of special interest will change over time with one preoccupation replaced by another. The other major characteristic of AS is the socialization deficit, and this too, tends to be somewhat different than that seen in typical Autism. Although children with AS are frequently noted by teachers and parents to be somewhat “in their own world” and preoccupied with their own agenda, they are seldom as aloof as children with Autism. Rather, most children with AS express a desire to fit in socially and have friends. But, they are often deeply frustrated and disappointed by their social difficulties. Although “normal” language skills are a feature distinguishing AS, there are usually some observable differences in how AS children use language. Sometimes the language sounds overly formal or pedantic, idioms and slang are often not used or are misused, and things are often taken too literally. Language comprehension tends toward the concrete with problems arising as language becomes more abstract.
According to Neil Amstrong, Professor at Stephen F. Austin State University in Texas, United States, “Asperger Syndrome is becoming increasingly and continually rising”. (Photo Eduardo Muñoz)
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How to help us! • Routines should be kept as consistent, structured, and predictable as possible. • Rules should be applied carefully. Many AS children can be quite rigid about following “rules” very literally. • Parents and teachers should take full advantage of the child’s areas of special interest when teaching. • Most students with AS respond well to the use of visuals. • In general, try to keep teaching fairly concrete. Avoid language that may be misunderstood by the child such as sarcasm, confusing figurative speech, and idioms.
We Recommend 22
“Duda” Gabriel González-Vega* gabrielgv@ice.co.cr
Éste es un título que resume bien una reflexión densa y compleja, que nos lleva a renunciar a las certezas fáciles con que tendemos a engañarnos. El inquietante filme se basa en la magnífica obra de teatro, ganadora de cuatro premios Tony y del Pulitzer, que escribió el luego guionista y realizador de cine John Patrick Shanley, basado en sus propias experiencias en el Bronx de los años '60. Un Nueva York que, en medio de la Guerra Fría, sufría el trauma del asesinato de John F. Kennedy y comenzaba el difícil proceso de la integración racial. La obra enfrenta a una monja severa y desconfiada (Meryl Streep) que dirige un colegio privado con un sacerdote amable y generoso (Phillip Seymor Hoffman) que ella sospecha que de algún modo abusa sexualmente de un estudiante, por demás peculiar, pues fue el primer afrodescendiente (negro) que fue integrado. Entre ambos media una joven religiosa (Amy Adams) cuya inocencia e ingenua bondad hace un contrapunto idóneo. La rigurosa monja incluso recurre a la mentira para confirmar su verdad, y el religioso se da por ofendido, pero nunca desmiente con claridad las graves acusaciones. Muy bien ambientado, el relato se desliza con lentitud y con esmero, manteniendo en vilo al espectador, al que justamente deja en duda, tanto sobre la realidad de los presuntos hechos como sobre el peso moral de las conductas descritas. Porque lo importante no es resolver la anécdota, sino hacernos comprender lo relativo, lo paradójico y lo incierto que son los conflictos y pasiones humanas. Precisamente, la madre del chico (Viola Davis), una mujer trabajadora muy práctica, que piensa que su hijo es gay y teme al padre homofóbico y agresor, tiene un breve y sustancial enfrentamiento con la superiora, que revela cómo su resuelto amor de madre puede aceptar situaciones muy delicadas que percibe como un mal menor, en tanto vemos que a la monja no le interesa tanto el bienestar de los muchachos como su propio afán castigador y de dominio. Cuatro actores excepcionales, encabezados por Meryl Streep, para mí y para muchos la mejor actriz del mundo –con el record de 16 nominaciones al Óscar-, son el ensamble idóneo para esta notable reflexión moral que pone en tela de juicio temas tan serios como el autoritarismo, el racismo y la pedofilia, con elegancia, respeto y discernimiento. * Gabriel González-Vega, coproductor de “Password/Una mirada en la oscuridad”, “Caribe” y “Gestación”, es académico de la UNA y escribe para el Semanario Universidad.
New Audio Books Audio books are spoken recordings (or read by computer programs) of published books or of books created specifically for this medium. They are usually stored digitally (in CDs or DVDs) or they can be downloaded directly from the Internet in formats such as MP3, making them easily accessible to PCs, mobile phones, MP3 players, etc. Some audio books are dramatized versions of printed books, with actors, music and sound effects.
Benefits
There are many occasions in which an audio book provides all the benefits of reading without having to physically handle a book. For example, they can provide access to blind persons or those having severe visual limitations. Or they can be used by persons with physical limitations that make it difficult or impossible to hold a book. In addition, persons who have jobs driving a vehicle or having a long commute to work may benefit from listening to their favorite novels or other books while they work or travel. For our school audio books are especially useful in reinforcing language learning, both in English and Spanish. In summary, audio books are a learning and entertainment option that allows us a new way to access our favorite books. Some of audio book titles in our Library Inkheart The Chronicles of Narnia Series Magic Three House Series Harry Potter Series Twilight Series The Disney Fairies Collection Where the Red Fern Grows The Island of the Blue Dolphins (and more…)
Fomentando la responsabilidad en los pequeños lectores Ana Carolina Jiménez Rodríguez Coordinadora de Biblioteca carolinaj@panam.ed.cr
Convencidos de que los procesos educativos ocurren no sólo en las aulas, los colaboradores de la biblioteca nos hemos animado a aportar experiencias significativas que le permitan, sobre todo a los más pequeños, interiorizar lecciones de vida impregnadas de recuerdos y valores. Las lecciones calan hondo cuando vinculan a vivencias. Vale la pena invertir tiempo y paciencia en explicar las razones que motivan una decisión, una regla, o una consecuencia. Con algo de temor y otro tanto de técnicas no tradicionales, hemos permitido que nuestros pequeños lectores abran un libro con las manos sucias. Después de mostrar los resultados ante un grupo de asombradas caritas, los estudiantes piden permiso para salir a lavarse las manos antes de aventurarse a través de las páginas de un libro. Guardamos como trofeo de guerra aquel libro que una criaturita se llevó en préstamo a su casa y
lo devolvió todo rayado porque su hermanita menor creyó que era para colorear, y saboreamos la dulce victoria cada vez que un par de asombrados ojitos pregunta qué le sucedió a ese libro que solía ser tan lindo. Les hemos pedido a ellos mismos que nos cuenten qué pasaría si dejáramos boronas de pan y galletas en las mesas de la biblioteca. Hemos logrado demostrarles el valor de la responsabilidad y, literalmente, a responder con sus habilidades, por el libro dañado o perdido. Ellos elijen entre varias opciones, tales como pagar con su propio dinero el valor del libro, o bien, donar algunos de los suyos a la biblioteca para reponer el daño. Tambien, pueden donar una hora de trabajo después de clases; incluso algunos de nuestros “pasantes” han decidido volver a visitarnos para ayudarnos con el trabajo sólo por gusto. Hemos tenido que retomar la lección en un par de ocasiones, cuando escuchamos de boca de los niños comentarios como: “¡Miss, un día de estos voy a perder otro libro para poder venir a trabajar con ustedes otra vez!”.
More information and to borrow these book and movie please contact the Library and Learning Resource Center at 2298-5724 or carolina.jimenez@panam.ed.cr
Career Planning
Career Services Beyond Graduation Glenn Courtland College Counselor glen.courtland@panam.ed.cr
When seniors graduate from PAS they're not on their own -- they become part of an extended family that continues receives support and services. One of these areas is career counseling and it involves a team of PAS counselors, teachers, and administrative staff. Students who graduate can return immediately or years later to receive support in career guidance, transferring to another university, or applying for graduate programs. These services may include help with the application process, applying for Visas, and searching for grants, scholarships, and financial aid. PAS graduates can be found all over the world at top universities, colleges and professional schools. Whether applying to a University located in Australia or applying to a local university each student is given care and attention in making these important decisions in their lives. PAS offers a centralized application service, headed by Ms. Marcela Sobrado, for students applying to colleges outside the country. She helps students collect all required documents and consolidates and reviews the packages before they are sent to prospective higher education institutions. This process ensures greater success in the application process, through a review for completeness, accuracy and clarity. Alumni are encouraged to use these and other services. A team of professionals will provide personalized attention to each graduate in pursuing their goals and aspirations, in Costa Rica or internationally.
Nutrición y Salud 24
Estrategias nutricionales para abrirle el apetito a su hijo Kathryn von Saalfeld, nutricion@racsa.co.cr
Nutricionista
ilias es cuidar s importantes de las fam má s ea tar las de a Un Sin embargo, nten saludablemente. me ali se s hijo los e qu nstantemente comer o rechazan co en ier qu no os ch mu e relacionarse da de apetito pued rdi pé La . da mi co la iento, además de desarrollo y crecim s pa eta as un alg n co de enfermedad. o, el apetito crecimiento acelerad de os pic y ha do an Cu requerimiento debido a un mayor nta me au te en alm usu comporta de la alimentación se e qu ya al, ion tric nu Antes de la con el crecimiento. ela ral pa ra ne ma a pérdida de eden experimentar un pu os niñ los d, rta be pu iento disminuye, e la tasa de crecim qu a o bid de to eti ap la pubertad. n los años después de co n ció ara mp co en es también vitaminas y mineral de cia ien fic de a Un importante que apetito; por eso es el ar dic rju pe e ed pu os los grupos ada, incluyendo tod ce lan ba sea ta die la nico adecuado lemento multivitamí sup Un s. nto me ali de necesidades, udar a corregir estas ay e ed pu os niñ ra pa ntación. re los hábitos de alime mientras se trabaja sob fase de a un r po pueden pasar Los niños también entan con su das cuando experim rechazo a las comi desfavorable ejercen de manera independencia y la icamente con das. Esto sucede típ a la hora de las comi s su hijo siga una ses y 3 años. Mientra niños entre los 18 me crecimiento y se ntro de la curva de línea adecuada de r un tiempo y vigor, puede espera muestre con energía fase. mientras sale de esta ar que comer; e el niño prefiera jug qu al Además, es norm regulares de establecer horarios por eso es importante comidas no límites, para que las comidas, así como no. pasen a segundo pla
Invita:
Los siguientes consejos le ayudarán a aumentar el apetito en sus niños: • Hábleles sobre la importancia de una alimentación saludable y las ventajas cada alimento para la salud. • Participe a su hijo en la compra y preparación de las comidas y de la lonchera. • Ofrezca variedad en las preparaciones de alimentos, ya que los niños se aburren también de comer siempre lo mismo. Puede cortar los alimentos en distintas formas, y usar colores llamativos para que sean más atractivos. • No discuta cuando rechazan algún alimento. Busque alimentos similares en nutrientes a los que rechaza y déle alternativas. Por ejemplo, si su hijo rechaza la carne de res, el pollo y los frijoles negros son una alternativa saludable. • Acostumbre a su hijo(a) a comer en familia. El ver a los demás comiendo ayuda a abrir el apetito, además de que es un tiempo para compartir. • Evite las batallas durante la comida para que los tiempos de comida sean agradables. • Evite las distracciones a la hora de comer: apague la televisión. • Trate de que pasen por lo menos dos horas sin comer ni tomar nada antes de las comidas principales, para que su hijo tenga suficiente hambre. Evite que coma dulces, que pique, o se hidrate con jugos justo antes de comer. • Aumente la actividad física de sus hijos, como la natación, artes marciales, ballet o tenis, de manera que se muevan más y les dé más hambre.
Charla: Problemas de alimentación en la infancia: cómo manejarlos
Costo: c4000 antes del 20 de abril, c5000 el día de la charla
Expositora: Rebeca Hernández A., Nutricionista
Inscripciones y consultas: Tel. 22568067 / rhernandez@saborysalud.com
Fecha y hora: Martes 20 de abril del 2010, 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Lugar: Auditorio Torre 2, Hospital Cima Favor confirmar la asistencia con anticipación - cupo limitado
Marissa Durman
Lives her Passion for Medicine Eduardo Muñoz eduardom@panam.ed.cr
After graduating from Pan-American School Marissa Durman entered Business Administration. Spending a year studying management sciences only to reach the conclusion that her real vocation in life was to save lives and help people as a medical professional. Marissa graduated with honors in 2002, the most outstanding of which was the Excellence award created in her honor that year. She describes this award as “an awesome experience in my life -- one never expects to receive such an honor." In a few months, after her internship, she will have completed her medical studies at UCIMED. (Pan-American Magazine met with her outside the National Children’s Hospital to talk about her life).
Sacrifice and Satisfaction “Since I was in High School I really liked the Biology classes with Ms. Dorita. I loved to learn about our body’s secrets”, recalls Marissa. Later, when deciding to return to Costa Rica to pursue studies in medical science, this passion was the motor that helped her survive the demands of this challenging career. “It demands sacrifice. These years I’ve had to miss family celebrations, trips, and I now have a boyfriend because we both share the same passion for medicine; someone who doesn’t understand this passion, cannot understand me”, explained Marissa over a cup of coffee where we took a trip down memory lane to her years at Pan-American School. One of the most important decisions, explains Marissa, was to study in Costa Rica. This decision took into account the high academic level but also
the difference between the medical approach in our country and the approach of developed countries which pose a challenge in patient treatment, she said. “In other countries technology facilitates diagnosis… in our country we have to make a larger effort to arrive at a diagnosis through medical examinations. Even the diseases and ailments in Costa Rica are very different from those in the U.S. and Europe and my goal was to end up working in Costa Rica. I therefore reached the conclusion that it would be better to study here and learn about the specific medical situations I would have to face on a daily basis." The long hours of studying will soon come to an end, but first she must complete her internship at the National Children’s Hospital, where she has been assigned full-time in the Medicine 5 Service, caring for children from two months to two years of age. Further into the year, she will be leaving for either Minnesota and Virginia, USA, places into which she has been admitted to take up internships in Internal Medicine and Primary Psychiatric Attention, respectively. She will ultimately return to Costa Rica to work at the Women’s Hospital. Marissa still has to study every day, inbetween patient consultations, to keep abreast of medical advances through specialized magazines, and prepare for exams. In addition, every four days she has to work the “graveyard” shift after a normal day shift. But for this doctor-to-be, this is the life she chose to live and her satisfaction cannot be explained in a few words.
“English reading helped me learn new vocabulary and improve my language proficiency and reading comprehension skills. Ms. Dorita motivated me to love Science; with Mr. Welsh one had to learn to think, and I also remember the classes with Ms. Ruth. I learned a lot in each class. “I know people say the academic workload at Pan-American School is demanding, but I believe every student should try to do the best, even though we sometimes may fall short. We have to try to make our best effort to meet our immediate challenge and move on to the next challenge”, said Marissa based on her experience. In addition to achieving best academic record among her generation, Marissa always found time to help others. She participated in the first generation of volunteers for the Friends in Learning (ADA) Program. “I personally believe that if you try your best, you can always excel”, were Marissa’s final comments.
Give your best! Marissa Durman feels her years at PanAmerican School helped her succeed throughout her years of professional study.
Marissa Durman, Valedictorian in 2002, is finishing her internship in the National Children`s Hospital.
News From PAS Pan-American students from Kinder to Third Grade expressed their solidarity with Chilean children who experienced an earthquake on Febrary 27th. They will exchange drawings with children from Hampton College, in Chile. (Photo Nora Catania)
"Project Chile" Sending Hope Through Art
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Few people have ever imagined what it would be like if within two minutes they lost everything they cherished including loved ones, sentimental objects, and personal property. No one likes to think about this happening, and far from it, our children. However, on February 27, at 3:34 a.m. many Chileans, children and grownups, experienced this event with an 8.8 degree earthquake. After this tragedy, and during its reconstruction process, Claudia Gonzรกlez Navarrete, from Hampton College in Chile, came up with the idea that children from different parts of the world could express with drawings their support for Chilean children who have lived through these devastating circumstances, and express positive and encouraging messages.
Pan-American School wants to help in this worthy cause. For this reason, Kinder, Preparatory, Second and Third grade students dedicated an art class to express their feelings of encouragement through drawings. These pictures will be part of an exchange program in which children from Chile will send their own drawings telling us about the earthquake and about the reconstruction as a nation. It is difficult and some what very abstract for our students to imagine that in just two minutes people can lose so much. Even though it is difficult to imagine this type of suffering and sadness, they are still capable of expressing their empathy and sensitivity through drawings full of love, encouragement and hope.
Providence Day School Visits PAS Lucienne Azuola, Psychologist
High
School
lucienne@panam.ed.cr
On March 13th, a group of students and faculty from Providence Day School of Charlotte, North Carolina, arrived in Costa Rica for a oneweek visit. They were part of the Global Studies Program that seeks to help students and staff learn about other languages and cultures. This group of 7 students and 4 faculty stayed with Pan-American families from 7th, 8th and 9th grades and with staff members. Students participated in Spanish classes with teacher Rodolfo Sandino. In addition, they visited touristic attractions in the Central Valley, Monteverde and Arenal, among others. As part of this new exchange program, PAS 7th and 8th grade students will be able to visit Providence Day School during the September break. They will stay with students and their families, experience classes at this prestigious private school in the United States, and visit touristic attractions in the Charlotte area. We are extremely pleased with the success of the first year of this new exchange program and encourage students to participate in an unforgettable experience!
Pan-American Magazine
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Un panamericano en Madrid El profesor Marvin Camacho estrenó obra musical en congreso internacional
Eduardo Muñoz eduardo.munoz@panam.ed.cr
El profesor panamericano Marvin Camacho, un reconocido compositor nacional, fue invitado a participar el pasado noviembre en el II Congreso Internacional Cervantes y el Quijote en la Música del siglo XX, celebrado en Madrid, España. Nuestro docente ha mantenido una
Gracias al intercambio con universidades españolas el profesor Marvin Camacho es uno de los compositores contemporáneos que ha promovido la música costarricense en Europa. Actualmente, conjuga su labor creativa con la docencia. (foto Eduardo Muñoz)
estrecha cercanía con varias universidades en España y para esta ocasión, la Universidad Autónoma de Madrid preparó este congreso dedicado a los estudios cervantinos. En la actividad, Marvin Camacho presentó una ponencia sobre la música costarricense, en la que hizo un breve recorrido por la vida y creación de compositores contemporáneos, acompañadas de breves interpretaciones de algunos fragmentos de sus obras. Pero, lo mas destacado de su participación, fue el estreno mundial de su obra “Tres quijotadas de un Hidalgo”, en una sesión titulada “Siete compositores ilustran al Ingenioso Hidalgo”, a la que invitaron cantantes líricos y pianistas, acompañados del grupo instrumental de la Orquesta de la Universidad Autónoma de Madrid. El compositor también entregó al rector de la universidad española, José María Sanz Martínez, el preludio sinfónico “Un hombre llamado Don Quijote”, creación suya basada en el poema “Cautivo” del poeta costarricense Mario Alberto Marín. ¡Felicidades profesor Camacho!