Youth in the News

Spreewald Costumed Doll

Josie Muschel, a student at Clements High School in Sugar Land, recently took 1st place in the Doll Costume category at the Texas State German Contest. Her doll was dressed in a traditional Spreewald costume that includes skirt, blouse, shawl and headpiece. The part of the costume that Josie found to be the most challenging was the headpiece, but was able to piece together a very good doll-size replica using photos of a disassembled headpiece that Joyce Bise sent to her.

Middle and high school students, grades 8-12, who have qualified at one of three regional contests, are invited to compete and show off their German language skills and cultural understanding at the annual Texas State German Contest. Josie qualified for the state contest by winning 1st place with her costumed doll at Houstonfest, an annual competition for Houston-area students who are learning German.

Josie’s display at both contests included not only her costumed doll but also a poster featuring photos and information about the Spreewald area of Germany and the Wends, as well as photos showing the process of sewing and assembling the parts of the costume.