Political Officer John Rhatigan shared his passion for U.S. pop music at the request of the students at Nicosia Turk Lycee

On May 5, 2009, Political Officer John Rhatigan shared his passion for U.S. pop music at the request of the students at Nicosia Turk Lycee. Over twenty students were dancing in their seats to his presentation, which included the latest hits currently topping the U.S. pop music charts and being played in Cyprus as well. With stylish music video clips by artists including Beyonce, Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, Flo Rida and the Black Eyed Peas, Mr. Rhatigan demonstrated the rich and varied landscape of American music to the excited audience. By relating the personal history and background of each artist, Mr. Rhatigan also showed how they all had remarkably similar influences on their individual journeys to pop music success.

The students all participate in the Embassy’s English Access Microscholarship program, which started in February 2008 and now reaches over 150 students between the ages of 14 and 16. In addition to their English language instruction, the students learn about American culture through guest speakers and cultural outings.