The reimagined “Día de las Cometas,” now known as Kites for Education Fest, successfully united The Columbus School community on August 30, 2024, delivering a memorable and impactful event.
After years of hosting the traditional event, the TCS Foundation, under new leadership by Carolina Cossio, rebranded the festival into the Kites for Education Fest. According to participants and volunteers, the changes were well-received, successfully aligning the event with the Foundation’s goal of supporting educational initiatives.
“People seemed to be more open to donating towards the TCS foundation, now that they knew the money collected during the event would go towards education programs, more specifically the JKS Scholarships,” Elisa Arango, senior and volunteer at the event, said.
The event exceeded expectations, drawing a larger crowd compared to previous years. Attendees witnessed the TCS Foundation come closer to achieving its fundraising target of 30 million pesos.
“I’ve always loved ‘Día de las Cometas’ because it’s one of my favorite school events. This year’s turnout was similar or even greater than in the past,” Juliana Marín, senior who attended the Fest, said.
While many elements of the previous “Día de las Cometas” were maintained, new features, such as brand activations from companies like Medipiel, an expanded food selection, spaces for entrepreneurs, and inflatable games for younger students, were added to the event’s success.
“It was nice to see there were spaces thought for us parents, apart from flying kites we could also browse around the different shops and businesses at the festival,” Andrea Orozco, TCS mother, said.
The event also reflected a stronger emphasis on community engagement. The mix of students, parents, grandparents, and friends, both from TCS and outside, showcased the festival’s inclusivity.
“I was amazed by the variety of people attending. This event brings everyone together — not just the TCS community but friends and family from beyond the school as well,” Arango said.
Despite the changes, the festival maintained the spirit of community connection, making it an enjoyable experience for both participants and volunteers, with opportunities to contribute to a larger cause.
“As a volunteer, I felt proud to be part of something that connects the school with the wider community, all while raising funds for education,” Arango said.
While the event’s name has evolved, its essence remains the same: a gathering of the TCS community to celebrate, bond, and unite in support of the Foundation’s mission to impact lives through education.
“This event is the perfect opportunity to show our support and help the TCS foundation while having fun with our friends and family,” Marín said.