Cultures across the globe celebrate children’s growing up.

Jewish children have Bar Mitzvahs, American girls have their “sweet 16″ and young Spanish women have a Quinceanera.

“The Quinceanera is like a ‘Sweet 15′ in Mexico and Brazil,” said Clare High School Spanish teacher Lori Schmidt, displaying a poster with her Spanish students to explain Quinceanera.

They were among about 1,800 high school students Friday who visited the Bovee University Center, Pearce Hall and Warriner Hall’s Plachta Auditorium for the 36th annual Foreign Language Day.

“It’s a day where you do events, dances and skits,” said Lakewood High School senior Maricus Gonzales, who participated in a Spanish skit about human rights.

The event gave students a chance to expand their cultural experience and mainly focuses on traditions of France, Germany and Spain.

An awards ceremony also is featured, recognizing dancing, singing and other cultural traditions.

The award for French dancing went to Standish-Sterling Central High School 2008 graduate Gabrielle McMaster.

Not only did she look the part in a black-and-white striped shirt, red sash and beret, but she performed the choreographed routine with flexibility and precision.

“I was excited to do the splits,” McMaster said. “That usually excites the crowd.”

Lakewood High was given an award for its traditional German folk dance.

“Our skit is about history and has a World War II theme,” said group member Keyton Barrone, a Lakewood High senior. “We replicated a dance we found on YouTube.”

Gladwin High School senior Naomi Hang opened the awards ceremony by singing the Japanese pop song “Goodbye Days” by Yui.

“It was awesome, even though my legs were shaking,” she said.

Dominique Williams DeHoyos, wearing bright Spanish garments, took home the award for Spanish singing. The Saginaw 14-year-old sang the popular mariachi song “El Toro Relajo.”

“The song is about playfully teasing a bull,” DeHoyos said. “It’s fun being in front of everyone.”

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