On April 9th, 2008, the local Palo Verde H.S. located in Summerlin took time to pause, reflect, and celebrate “Bulgaria and Its Culture” during a multicultural event organized by the school’s International Club. Through the captivating presentation of honorary guest speakers Gov. Bob Miller and Maria Radeva, 2007 RJ Model Search winner, over 170 Palo Verde students, teachers, and administrators learned about Bulgaria’s intriguing, centuries old historical past, constantly evolving present, and a promising, successful future.
As part of a traditional Bulgarian custom expressing hospitality, the guests were presented with bread and salt at the door of auditorium 200 by Amanda and Gillian, seniors at the school. The twin girls, daughters of Elizabeth and George Mantchev, looked stunning in their folk costumes. Thanks to the hard work of Palo Verde teacher Mrs. Julie Beers, wife of a Henderson politician, and her Food’s class who baked seven beautiful and delicious “pogachas” everybody enjoyed a taste of Bulgaria’s cuisine.
The most beloved friend of the Bulgarian people, Gov. Bob Miller, and his adopted daughter, Maria Radeva, talked for over an hour and a half about Bulgaria and its culture. The captivated students asked many interesting questions. Gov. Bob Miller, the longest serving Nevada governor (1989 –1999) and Honorary Consul General of Bulgaria, impressed everyone with his extensive knowledge and warm attitude toward Bulgaria.
The International Club President, Brenda, took a minute to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of Amanda and Gillian Mantchev who at their young age had already made numerous contributions to the Bulgarian culture. Gillian has won many first place awards with her paintings in charcoal and pastels for the last 3 years. Culminating her accomplishments is winning the Congressional award for 2007. Her painting is currently displayed in Washington D.C. and can be viewed at Congress for one year. Gillian is also a straight “A” student, does not miss a single day at school, and this year has 3 AP classes. She participates in every theater production as an actor, prop and decor designer, and director along with her twin sister Amanda, who works just as hard, but has channeled her talents towards the theater. In 2007 she won 2nd place in duo scene, 2nd place in ensemble scene, and 1st place in costume design at SUU Shakespeare competition. We are very proud of Amanda and Gillian Mantchev and wish them good luck in pursuing their college dreams next school year!
The celebration of Bulgarian heritage was amazing! Gov. Miller and Maria Radeva did an excellent presentation! We would like to thank them for being true ambassadors of Bulgaria’s people and for spreading the word about our tiny by size, but rich by history, natural beauty, and accomplishments European country. As a small token of our appreciation, we wrapped up the event by sharing with them in the teachers’ lounge tasty Bulgarian food, courtesy of the Mediterranean Country Market. Thank you, Boriana and Valery, for the delicious luncheon. Our appreciation goes to Ramona Dimcheva as well. She volunteered to be the event’s photographer and saved our proud memories of this splendid event.
Lillia Carley
