Schools celebrate Irish heritage

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By Pat Burke, St. Patrick Society, Davenport | Saturday, May 17, 2008 5:07 PM CDT | () comments

A very positive Davenport Intermediate School project, sponsored by the Davenport Public Schools, Library and Museum, The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, CASI, Celtic Heritage Trail, Scott Community College and The St. Patrick Society recently concluded on April 17 at a reception at Smart Intermediate School.

The project was Iowa Stories 2000 celebrating Irish-American Oral History projects of the Quad-Cities. Cultures celebrated in previous years were African-Americans, German-American and Mexican-Americans. This year, 25 Irish-Americans were interviewed at six intermediate schools by two or three students each. Six teachers and about 80 students participated.

The excitement generated by the unveiling of the project poster boards and the program involving speakers, presentation of certificates and Irish dance was great fun. Taped interviews and project boards will be archived at the Davenport Library.

The St. Patrick Society as one of the sponsors and its members who were interviewed say thank you to the Davenport School officials, teachers and students who were involved. They should be proud of a job well done.