Students, teachers and Principal Debbie Smith from First Coast High School recently enjoyed a taste of Brazil as a special treat for the top-performing students in the International Trade and Logistics Career and Professional Academy who are enrolled in the Portuguese classes.
The group arrived at Jacksonville Beach and gathered under the fishing pier for an early evening Brazilian cultural experience of Capoeira music and dancing. The students encircled Contra-Mestre Bundo (A.K.A. Fabio Rodrigues) and his group, Grupo Capoeira Bantu Beira Mar, and really engaged in the spirited performance.
Shortly afterwards, the students walked across the street to Tento Churrascaria to enjoy a delectable meal of Brazilian cuisine including fresh fruits, vegetables and a wide variety of meat. This dining experience was compliments of Carlos Lang, owner and manager, who gave the students educational lesson about Brazil, its culture and cuisine prior to the meal.
Joshua Rodriggs, president of the Brazil-Jacksonville Alliance of Northeast Florida, stated that this event was right in line with the Alliance's vision to be the premier resource organization for trade, culture and educational opportunities between Brazil and the greater Jacksonville region.
Last summer, Rodriggs, along with Dr. Joanne Davis, Supervisor of World Languages for Duval County Public Schools, and Principal Debbie Smith, were instrumental in bringing Portuguese language classes to the school. Students at First Coast are currently the only in the district studying Portuguese.
The Brazil-Jacksonville Alliance of Northeast Florida also funded a portion of the event.
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