In early April, students from the three different language classes attended the Shippensburg Language Competition. Here, the students got to participate in many different activities regarding their chosen languages.
The Spanish representatives were Anna Ford, Luke Frasier, Kenzo Veron, and Nicholas Ulkosky. All of them participated in the Skit performance, and Frasier and Ford also did Karaoke together. They sang “Como la Flor,” which Veron commented that “[…] they sang really well[ …]”. Speaking of Veron, we were able to get an interview with him about the competition. According to him, the competition was a blast and he got to meet “[…] a lot of cool people there.” He got to improve his speaking and learn about the different languages, also participating in the competition. Veron thought the trip was very fun and, if given the chance, would go again, more prepared for what it has in store.
The representatives for German were Brynlee Althoff, Ava Baldwin, Madelyne Metcalf, Jenavieve Thomas, and Dorian Zirkle. Jenavieve Thomas created a poster board about German politics and the government, and she did a 2-minute presentation speaking the language! Talk about showing your stuff! Like Kenzo, she would go back to the competition next year if she is able to, saying that “It was a fun experience […]”. She particularly enjoyed the salsa dancing and the food there, and she liked that they were never standing around with nothing to do. Speaking of salsa dancing, it was her favorite part because she thought it was hilarious. She remarks, “[…] the teacher told us to go crazy, and seeing Herr Lyon in front of everybody, him salsa dancing with Mrs. Dravk was really good too.” Thomas created some core memories at the competition that she will never forget.
French representatives included John Blacksmith, Adelaide Kradel, Maria Gonzalez, Alec Weinstein-Ellison, and Braxtyn Wilt. Weinstein-Ellison described his experience to us, saying, “It was interesting.” Similarly to how Kenzo Veron depicted his experience, Alec also noticed the many different people from many different schools, all at different levels of their chosen language. Weinstein-Ellison recalls the multiple activities of the competition included as well,, “[…] like jeopardy, performing a skit, karaoke, [and] giving presentations.” He participated in jeopardy and presentation, in which he worked with John Blacksmith to complete. Alec had fun just like the rest of those interviewed, and he would go back again if given the chance. His favorite part was hanging out with his friends, and “It was fun working with John on the presentation […]”.
The CHS participants won medals all across the board at the end of the day, as well as securing the trophy for having the most points collectively of all the schools in attendance. If you do well in your language class next year, you may have the opportunity to go for gold at this competition like these students, too!
