Students at Nease High School traded their classroom desks for picnic blankets, homemade food and kites Sept. 30 as they celebrated the conclusion of their study of Khaled Hosseini's novel "The Kite Runner."

The outdoor gathering brought literature to life through food, cultural exploration and kite flying, an activity central to the novel's story.

Cheryl Goodman, a teacher at the Ponte Vedra school, has made the celebration an annual tradition. Each year's event takes a different shape because students plan the activities and contribute their own dishes, according to The Vertical, Nease High's student publication. Student journalist Maia Polito reported the story Oct. 8.

Students explore Afghan culture through food and kites

Student Mysha Azhar, a member of Goodman's first-period class, prepared Afghan pulao, a traditional rice dish, for the celebration.

Classmates contributed popcorn chicken, pasta, focaccia and other dishes, creating a shared meal organized by the students.

Goodman supplied kites for the occasion. Some students decorated theirs before flying them, while others left them undecorated.

Azhar told The Vertical she enjoyed sharing culture, talking with classmates and flying kites.

She also expressed appreciation for learning about Afghan culture and traditions through the novel.

Annual tradition connects literature and cultural learning

Published in 2003, "The Kite Runner" follows the friendship of two boys growing up in Afghanistan and explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, guilt and redemption against the backdrop of the country's political upheaval.

Kite flying plays a central role in the story, making the outdoor activity a fitting conclusion to the students' reading.

The annual celebration gives students an opportunity to connect the novel's cultural themes with hands-on experiences beyond traditional classroom discussions.

Nease High School, located at 10550 Ray Road in Ponte Vedra, serves students in the St. Johns County School District.