Sharing Cultures: Damas de Rosario Experience Life at Rota Middle High School

On September 15th, we had the honor of hosting the Damas de Rosario (a group of 28 women who represent different organizations in Rota and help support community activities, charity events, and fiestas in Rota) at Naval Station Rota’s Middle High School. 

During this event, 24 of the Damas de Rosario got to tour the school’s campus with AP and Spanish 4 students as tour guides. For many of the Damas, this was their first time experiencing American culture, hands on. They visited classrooms, the library, nurse’s office, gym, and - what really impressed them most - the Football field: which many said reminded them of classic High School movies from Hollywood. 

As a Dama de Rosario (representing the U.S. Naval Activities Spain) it was a great experience for me, getting to show my fellow Damas a little about my school’s community and culture. It was such a joy being able to answer questions and share differences and similarities between our schools. After the school visit, the next part of the tour was getting to see the Spanish airfield, a Spanish Navy ship (ESPS Santa Maria), and brunch with the Spanish admiral and the American commander of Naval Activities Spain. 

This tour allowed us to gain a better understanding regarding the operations of the base and how both Spain and the United States come together on missions. However at the end of the day, many of the Damas shared how their favorite part of the trip was seeing Rota Middle High School and getting to meet new people. I would like to thank, Dr. Schoonffeldt, Mr. Gostkowski, Mr. Lopez, and Ms. Weir for making this school visit memorable and possible. To the RMHS staff and students thank you for welcoming the Damas and helping show them what RMHS is all about!