The James Logan Courier

Courier Correspondent Report

Flappers and gangsters appeared in Room 532 earlier this week when, for the 18th year in a row, Trish Tripepi’s American Lit students ended a unit on The Great Gatsby by holding a Roaring 20’s party. Students are required to attend the party as a real person from that time period, after conducting research a few weeks ago in order to become familar with their chosen character.

Ms. Tripepi points out that the party is always a favorite among her students, and says that when she runs into former students, it’s one of the fond memories they always recall from her class.

“ Not only is it a fun way to bring the Great Gatsby unit to a close,” she notes, “but it’s also a chance for students to become more familar with a period of history that they never experienced. Through this activity, they get a first-hand look at people, fashion, slang and behavior.”

Students can earn extra credit by doing readings of poems from the 1920’s or by teaching dances like The Charleston to the rest of the class.

Silent movies show in the background while 1920’s music blares from CD or iPod players, and students bring in beverages and snacks to share. This year the party fell on the last day before finals, so it was a great way to end the semester.