Nearly 100 Fayette County schools' students who have been studying Chinese this summer whooped it up Friday with songs, dances and performances celebrating Chinese culture. The event at Leestown Middle School marked the climax of this year's STARTALK two-week summer camp, which helps students polish the language skills they're learning in Chinese classes during the regular school year.

The elementary and middle school students donned Chinese dress and makeup, sang songs and performed plays and mini dramas, all representing different regions of China. It's the third year of the STARTALK program here. Kids get the equivalent of eight to 10 weeks of regular school Chinese instruction during the intense summer camp, officials said. The program counts as professional development for participating teachers, who also earn graduate school credit. The program is a partnership between the Fayette Schools and the University of Kentucky.

Jim Warren (859) 231-3255