Stužkova - Times Two

Every year, the fifth year classes (the 30 "A" Class students, the 30 "B" class students, and the "Octava" class students)each have their own stužkova. What is a stužkova, you ask? Stužkova is what my friend Eric has called "one part prom, three parts bar mitzvoh." Stužkova is a dance, a dinner, a ceremony and an important rite of passage in the lives of our students. Each fifth year class is responsible for planning the details and program of this event. Parents, teachings, friends and siblings are invited to put on their finest clothes and celebrate these students' journeys to adulthood. The word stužkova refers to the green ribbons that each student receives from his or her class teacher. These ribbons are meant to symbolize the hope that these well-educated and morally responsible students represent to their communities.

This past month, I was priveleged to attend two stužkovas. The basic outline for both evening is as follows: People begin arriving at 6pm. Teachers and parents are escorted to tables by their students. Stužkova begins when the 5th year class processes in, and one student offers a welcoming speech. Then, the headmistress is escorted to center stage and she gives a speech and reflection on the hope that these students offer. A toast is given - (alcohol was abundant in supply all evening long). Once the toast is finished, the students invite their parents to the dance floor for a formal waltz. When this song is over, each fifth year asks a different teacher to waltz with them. After this, dinner begins. The tables looked fabulous. Here are some pictures from dinner:









After dinner, the fifth year students put on a program. For about an hour a half, they entertained us with skits, songs, and dances. The 5A's theme was a satire of the difference between their parents' lives in school under communism and their own experience today. The 5B's did a series of non-related skits including a game-show, lip-synching, and an exercise routine. At eleven, there is another ceremony. The students each receive a small cake from their class teacher. As the students come forward to receive their cake and to light a candle, their peers share a description of the students' character and talent. When this ceremony is completed, we have second supper. As everyone is eating - again - there is another program. The 5A class invited their class teacher forward and held her ransom as they present a list of demands to her including an agreement not to give any more tests and a tattoo of the 5A students on her body. The 5B class surprised us all, donning typical Slovak dress and presenting a Slovak folklore dance recital. Check out their second program:











Once the second prgoram is over, the DISCO (pronounced: "Deesco") starts! Parents, students, teachers - everyone dances "disco disco" style. We had a fabulous time! I stayed until 2:30am for the 5B Stuzkova (we had to wake up at 5am to catch at 6am bus to Bratislava for Thanksgiving), and I stayed until 4:30am for the 5A stuzkova. Believe it or not - I was an early-departer at BOTH dances. I think all the American teachers have been walking zombies for the last two or three weeks - but we have enjoyed eating, dancing, and being a part of such an important event in the life of our students.