Coronado Elementary School’s Mandarin dual language immersion students performed at the fourth annual Gilbert Sister Cities “Night at the Garden,” a private event celebrating cultural diversity and international connections.

The event featured students from schools in Gilbert as well as Antrim and Newtownabbey, Northern Ireland, and Leshan, China.

Coronado Elementary Principal Brian Griggs said he appreciated the opportunity for his students to participate.

“Our students work hard, and it is a much-appreciated showcase of that hard work," he said.

Griggs said the performance gave students a chance to demonstrate their language skills and cultural understanding.

“The students had an added element of motivation and excitement seeing firsthand the opportunities that open up for you when you can speak another language,” he said.

Mandarin teacher Josie Zappanti said the students have shown progress since joining the program about three months ago.

“Students are now speaking more fluently and singing their text with greater ease,” Zappanti said. “Their pronunciation and rhythm continue to improve, helping them feel the patterns of the language and develop stronger skills.”

The performance highlighted the district’s dual language immersion program, which aims to prepare students for global opportunities.