Manor High School Latin Teacher Charlaine Lunsford has been selected to participate in the 2023 American Academy in Rome Summer School, a five-week program in Rome, Italy with a focus on adding depth to scholarly studies in fine arts and the humanities. Lunsford is one of only 15 participants selected nationwide.
According to the academy’s curriculum, participants will take multiple lectured tours of museums and archeological sites to gain insight into the impact of the classical Roman era on modern humanities. Participants will also be attending seminars and workshops led by international scholars of various disciplines in the arts. The program will culminate in presentations of each individual’s chosen research topic.
Along with acceptance into the program, Lunsford was also awarded both the Mary Grant Award from the Classical Association of the Midwest and South (CAMWS) and the American Classical League scholarship, which covers the full tuition of the program and other expenses.
“It was an honor to not only be chosen for this prestigious program, but to also receive the funding to make it happen,” Lunsford said. “I have been teaching for 23 years, so to finally see the art and architecture from my class lessons in person is very humbling.”
Lunsford added she is most excited about the opportunity to share this enrichment with her future students.
“I will be taking a ton of pictures because I always include art in my teaching since it is very expressive and brings the culture to life for my students,” Lunsford said. “I will also have a new enthusiasm for the Latin language and Roman culture, and, hopefully, I will channel that into organizing a student trip in the future.”