On May 23, sixth graders in Ms. Monica Klein’s social studies classes at John F. Kennedy Middle School in Bethpage celebrated Greek gods and goddesses during their 14th annual Zeus Retires Debates.
In this event, the Greek god, Zeus, king of all gods (played by Ms. Klein’s father, Mr. Morselli), is retiring from Mount Olympus and not naming his successor. The other gods and goddesses must vie for the position by persuading Zeus of their abilities to lead Mount Olympus with a one-minute speech. For the last two weeks, students have been researching their strengths, and they each found a quote which directly related to their god. They also researched their weaknesses and turned them into strengths to defend themselves during the debates.
"I'm so proud of them all,” Ms. Klein said. “They worked their fingers to the bones."
All participants received a pin of excellence from Zeus. Zeus will also join students for a pizza party in town at Pappardelle’s on June 1. The Bethpage School District congratulates the winners from each class in this year’s Zeus Retires Debates:
Period 2- Nicole Garner (Aphrodite)
Period 3- Madison Catania (Hera)
Period 5- Maddie Kenney (Aphrodite)
Period 6- Syon Khashu (Hephaestus)
Period 9- Kristin Patlias (Hera)
To watch the 14th Annual Zeus Retires Debates, please click on the link of the respective period below.
Period 2
Period 3
Period 5
Period 6
Period 9
Date Added: 5/25/2022