The student body and staff were stationed in the neoclassical portico of the Gabriela Mistral High School, characteristic of the heritage building, to sing the high school anthem and “Happy Birthday” in celebration of the 141 years of life of the emblematic and historic establishment. The choirs were accompanied, as is tradition, by the instrumental band of Regiment N°21 “Coquimbo”. The institution also celebrates the 20th anniversary of its declaration as a National Historic Monument.
As a way to promote care for the environment, respect the new Inclusion Law and reduce noise pollution, the School Government invited all its classmates to open a giant piñata in the Gabriela Mistral patio, symbol of the birthday party , in exchange for the traditional balloon launch. The activity was celebrated by children and adolescents who laughed, shared and took photographs. Subsequently, each one went to their respective room to participate in the coexistence and camaraderie activities prepared by their teacher and parents.
The celebration continued at the Municipal Theater with regional and communal authorities, among them from the Gabriel González Videla Municipal Corporation, who were present at the official ceremony – in the company of the director and former student Drina López López – where institutional history was mixed, the talent of the students and the recognition for the high school commitment.
The director highlighted the progress of the establishment in the last decade in educational matters and commitment to the comprehensive training of students, support from parents and support networks; as well as the challenges of tomorrow. “These 141 years fill us with joy. We have grown again. We are approaching close to 750 students, which has been a great challenge. We are happy for the trust they have placed in us. There is arduous work ahead, maintaining this enrollment and increasing it even more; recover spaces. We have had the support of the SENDA program, PACE ULS, Universidad Santo Tomás, Universidad del Alba, support from CESFAM. Our supporter has listened to all our requests and has been giving us answers; In fact, we have intervention programs to improve infrastructure that will occur during the winter holidays. “We are full of future.” expressed the highest licean authority.
During the ceremony, the former student and first rector of the University of La Serena, Dr. Luperfina Rojas Escobar, recalled her high school career, her teachers, the education received, and urged the young people to persevere for their dreams. “The training I received at the Gabriela Mistral Girls’ High School, today Gabriela Mistral High School, is tremendously valuable, mainly in knowledge, but also values, which formed me and allowed me to advance towards university, to study abroad.”
An important moment occurred when the recognition was made for “High School Attendance and Behavior” that enhances the discipline, gestures of dedication, of the students. 25 students were highlighted, one from each course, who received a diploma from the inspector general Rosaura Heredia.
The talent of the students was present on stage with the high school choir, led by teacher Alejandra Alfaro, who performed a mix of the Beatles; the presentation of the Dance Academy, led by teacher Danisa Tapia, who showed the public a piece of oriental dance with Isis wings; and a pie de cueca danced by students Diego Ortiz (4th grade) and Sofía Altamirano (2nd grade).
Later, the School Government and General Center of Parents and Guardians chosen this 2024 took the stage to be presented to the educational community and authorities, receiving a present from the director and words of good wishes. “We are very excited to be able to assume this year this responsibility that we voluntarily take to be able to benefit and actively participate in the well-being of our high school. We fully appreciate the support and trust placed by our colleagues,” said the student and president of the School Government, Pascale Manzano.
The highest high school authority also recognized the work carried out by teachers and education assistants by awarding the “Mistralian Trajectory” to the officials: María Soledad Arévalo, Carolina Díaz and Susana Toro for their years of service in the institution. The event ended with the singing of the high school anthem, directed by teacher Alejandra, in the company of the student choir.
