EXCELLENCE IN LANGUAGE

By MICHAEL DEPAOLO

There are many talented students at WHS, some of them excelling in sports or athletics, and some in academics.  Perhaps one of the most rewarding high school accomplishments is being inducted into the one of the Honor Societies.   There are many different honor societies at WHS including the Art Honor Society, National Honor Society, and Foreign Language Honor Society, just to name a few.  Being inducted into any one of these is an honor in itself, but some students have the pleasure of being in more than one.  A favorite among students at the high school is the Foreign Language Honor Society.

MICHAEL DEPAOLO FOR THE WIZARD WEEKLY

Membership in the Foreign Language Honor Society is open to those students who have displayed excellence in the study of languages other than English. Students may apply each year in order to gain acceptance.  If academic requirements are met, the students take part in an induction ceremony where they pledge to continue to master their language and expand their cultural awareness.  Community service is an integral component and inductees must complete community service requirements in order to maintain their status, be eligible for scholarship opportunities, and be honored at graduation. 

This club is organized and run by Mrs. Alemany along with the Co-Presidents, Kendal Lascar, and Brendan Pardo, Vice-President, Hayley Jensen, Secretary, Sid Bhagirath, and Treasurers, Alex Cestari and Kathryn Finnigan.  However, it is no easy task to be inducted into the society.  First off, one must fill out an application with two recommendation letters, maintain a 90 or above in Foreign Language and have a GPA of at least an 85.  Students are also required to participate in a pie selling fundraiser which will contribute to a scholarship for a lucky student at the end of the year.

There were over 50 students that applied for the society in September.  Senior Maya Diaz was inducted into the Foreign Language Honor Society this year.  “I think that this club is a great opportunity for all students that have a passion for another language.  Not only does it drive you to have better grades, but also driving yourself to learn more,”Maya stated.  Senior Anthony Acosta talked about how “it really helped me become a better student. I feel like it has also helped me get into college.”  

The ceremony took place on November 9th.  During the ceremony, the Pledge of Allegiance was read in seven languages, including English, French, Spanish, Latin, Albanian, Russian and Bengali. Symbolic candles were lit, each representing a characteristic of the new inductees: scholarship, leadership, character and cultural awareness. In addition, three inductees each read selections from their application essays.  After the ceremony, a reception followed.

Being inducted into this prestigious society is not only a huge honor, but also a commitment. The students, parents, and teachers are all very proud of what these Wizards have accomplished.