Levelland High School English teacher Deb McVay brought to life The Great Gatsby for the LHS junior class by transforming an unforgettable experience – a heartfelt farewell.
As McVay prepares to retire, she has chosen to celebrate her final year in the classroom with a meaningful and immersive gift to her students – a Great Gatsbu Rendezvous that is scheduled for April 24 at The Wallace Theater. The special event will serve as grand finale to their study of the classic novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald that takes students well beyond the pages of the novel by blending learning, creativity and culture.
The evening will consist of a “red carpet” arrival, viewing of The Great Gatsby movie, Charleston dance contest, refreshments and a lot of fun.
Throughout the year, McVay has been quietly collecting Roaring 20s attire for her students, all at her own expense with the goal to ensure each student has the opportunity to step into the world of Jay Gatsby, Daisy Buchanan and the dazzling Jazz Age. The dream began coming true as the junior girls selected their outfits for the big event. The boys will be outfitted shortly.
The group descended on racks of flapper dresses, feathered headbands, shawls, jewelry and fishnet stockings to find a look that connected to the Gatsby era, giving them a real sense of the 1920s.
Throughout their studies under McVay, the class has explored themes of ambition, identity, wealth and illusion, while gaining an understanding of the historical and cultural context of the time period. By stepping into the fashion, music, and atmosphere of the Jazz Age, learning has become both personal and memorable.
The Great Gatsby Rendezvous reflects McVay’s passion for teaching and her commitment to creating meaningful experiences the students will carry with them for a lifetime, with all the unforgettable moments. The Gatsby-inspired evening will be a fitting and fabulous send off.