PROVIDENCE - If the Portuguese discoverers of the 15th century returned from their eternal voyage, they would certainly be pleased with the Portuguese-American youth of Rhode Island.
      Last Sunday, the "younger crowd" put on display their proud heritage at the Rhode Island College campus.
      The Lusophone World Festival was sponsored by the 2009 Day of Portugal committee of Rhode Island and the Institute for Portuguese and Lusophone World Studies.
      Marie R. Fraley, Associate Director of the Institute gave the welcome remarks and presented the ninth President of the College, Professor Nancy Cariuolo.      "Clearly, a college education is the path to a successful career," said Cariuolo. "The College is here at your disposal, and the Institute was created for the benefit of the many Portuguese that reside in the State of Rhode Island."
      As in previous years, an art contest related to the Portuguese speaking world was held throughout the schools of the State of Rhode Island and the presentation of the awards was made by the President of the Day of Portugal 2009 Committee, Pilar Coelho.
      A number of children saw their entries recognized.
      On stage the kindergarten class of the International Charter School, under the direction of Helena Simoes-Oliveira, presented three dances entitled "Onde Está o U?" (Where is the U?), "Estátua" (Statue) and "Os Patinhos" (The Ducks).
      The Portuguese School of the Casa do Açores da Nova Inglaterra, under the direction of its Pedagogical Director, Dr. Ermelinda C. Zito presented a traditional number "Fandango of Ribatejo". And three students of the Portuguese Social Club Portuguese School, Manuela Teixeira, Victoria Cabral and Jessica Almeida presented the folk song a cappella "Ó Ferreiro."
      To finish the afternoon, the Folk Group Nine Island of East Providence, under the direction of Roberto Medeiros, danced four numbers typical of the Azores Islands.
The winners of the art contest include
Ages 5-7: Anna DeMenezes and Danny Peixinho, Julia Guthrie
Ages 8-18: Julia Ferreira, Logan Inocêncio and Leah Peixinho
Ages 11-13
Victoria Lopes, Daniel Batista and Vanessa Pereira
Ages 14-18:
Amanda DaSilva, Elisa Faria and Carly Pacheco
      Honorable Mention: Emma Simas, Sarah Bonifacio, Alex Borges, Victoria Sousa, Diana Farinho, Briana Fernandes, Alyssa Peixinho, John Gooden, Chris Costa, Dannirae Ubiera, Hugo Rego, Richie Mourato, Jessica DeLemos, Allison Faria and Emily Branch.       The 12 winning drawings will be part of a 2010 calendar, as in previous years.