Shakespeare Celebration 2010
By: Bridgit Bowden

                On Monday April 26, the FRA high school celebrated the life of William Shakespeare with special festivities in assembly and cake for everyone.  The assembly program began with a dramatic and comedic introduction by student body president Hunter Jackson, and included a performance of the abridged Romeo and Juliet by the senior AP English class, and a madrigal song performed by several of the teachers.  Each student smiled, laughed, and enjoyed the celebration of the Bard’s life (especially when three large birthday cakes were cut and served to the entire school).  But, when the party died down, how many students trudged off to study for a dreaded test on Hamlet?  How many students went to catch up on their Macbeth reading on Sparknotes?  How many students actually realized how important the works of William Shakespeare are, and how important the celebration of his life is?
                Whether you realize it or not, you are affected by the life of Shakespeare every day.  In his works, he invented many English words and phrases that we use every day.  For instance if you are ever “tounge-tied,” in your own “flesh and blood” or in a “fool’s paradise,” you are using the Bard’s words.  And quite often, Shakespeare’s characters and plays are alluded to in every conversation.  If you ever want your crush to be your Romeo, or are afraid some Iago might ruin your day, you have been affected by Shakespeare.  Even some of our favorite movies come from Shakespeare.  Without William, we wouldn’t have “10 Things I Hate About You” or “She’s the Man.”  Shakespeare shouldn’t be dreaded; everyone should appreciate the Bard and his works.  After all, if he’s still around after 446 years, he must be really special!