On Feb. 10, students at Gore Lower Elementary had an amazing time celebrating Cherokee Heritage Day. The school wishes to thank Marsha Cordray and the Cherokee Nation for teaching students traditional Cherokee games like stickball, ring toss, blow darts, and the game of graces.

Students learned that blow darts are made from Scottish thistle, the game of graces was adopted from France and played by ladies at the seminary for exercise, and ring toss became popular during the Great Depression when families had very little money for games.

After a fun morning of learning and playing, students enjoyed delicious grape dumplings — a traditional Cherokee dish often served at family gatherings.

Thank you to Ms. Nancy, Ms. Ashley, and Ms. Kayla for preparing this special treat! It was a wonderful day of culture, history, and handson learning.

Wado to everyone who helped make this day so special!