The old adage, “…it is better to forgive and forget” is an important one. However, there are occasions where forgetting enables history to repeat itself. At those times, we want to forgive and remember.  This Spring, Geneva Classical Academy students remember the 1.5 million children lost in the Holocaust. 

Students, age 10 to 18, will perform the play, Can You Hear Them Crying? On Friday May 10 at 6:30 p.m. and Saturday May 11 at 12:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 175 Lake Hollingsworth Drive, Lakeland.  Adult tickets are $15; student tickets are $10. 

The play, written by Virginia Burton Stringer and inspired by the book, I Never Saw Another Butterfly (published by Schocken Books, a Division of Random House) presents a collection of poetry, diary entries and letters by some of the 15,000 children who were processed in and out of Theresienstadt, a ghetto in Northern Czechoslovakia.  These works were hidden in suitcases which survived the war and were found by allied forces after liberation. 

The evening will feature GCA student contributions including original writings, artwork, dances and a video interview of a Holocaust survivor.  In addition, an authentic Jewish menu, prepared by GCA Culinary Arts students, will be offered as part of the admission price. 

Geneva Classical Academy is a pioneer on the growing lists of schools – both private and public – returning to the classical model.  Curriculum at Geneva is rigorous and integrated.  Subjects are taught as interrelated rather than distinct. Teachers  continually demonstrate how philosophy, history, and geography interconnect with math, science, and literature. This gives students a far-ranging perspective and results in well-developed critical thinking skills and persuasive communication abilities. Families interested in learning more about the unique features and advantages of a classical Christian education and those desiring to tour the new facility may contact Geneva at 863-644-1408.