By BENNIE GRIEB
Four years of Spanish classes led up to this moment. With the day of their induction approaching quickly, a new door was about to open for all of them.
November 16 marked the date where nine seniors were inducted into the Spanish Honor Society (SHS). SHS is sponsored by the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese. The seniors who were inducted included Cedric Bagwell, Carter Boone, Rebbecca Burns, Elizabeth Cogan, Kylie Edmonson, Julia Huntsinger, Bailey Hoff, Katelyn Packer, and Lauren Skrzycki.
The SHS was formed in 1957 as a society to recognize those who excel within the languages of Spanish and/or Portuguese. Through academics, the SHS hopes to help inducted students maximize their potential in post-secondary education. To do this, the society gives roughly $160,000 to students every year on a nationwide scale. This enables hundreds of students to be able to reach their goals. The SHS at BAHS is advised by Spanish teachers Mrs. Emily Zimdahl-McManus (Profe) and Mrs. Victoria Smith.
To be inducted in SHS, a student must have been enrolled in Spanish 4 or higher, and must have grades above 80% in all previous Spanish courses. This requirement is for the SHS to see the dedication for the Spanish language.
“I have taken Spanish for five years up to this point and I wanted to be involved in an organization that holds values I believe in. I enjoy being able to learn how different people communicate and seeing the similarities and differences between English,” Cedric said.
Those who are enrolled in SHS are also given opportunities to better understand and experience the world around them. Through these experiences, the SHS hopes that the students will better understand the differences and similarities between cultures.
“A highlight from the Spanish Honor Society is that we help with family reading night. It is always enjoyable to spend time with the kids,” Katelyn said.
Through SHS, students are also able to build a better resume for their futures. Through the society, numerous scholarships are offered for students to pursue Spanish post-graduation. With post-secondary education having great expenses, the SHS gives students with the academic prowess but not the money to still have the opportunity that they might not have had without the society.
“I hope to minor in [Spanish] in college,” Cedric said.
The Spanish 4 class takes the induction of SHS seriously.
“Being a member of the International Spanish Honor Society affords students opportunities to win thousands of dollars in scholarships and travel prizes with free trips abroad! Additionally, students and their parents like the accolades and the recognition at graduation which includes a beautiful, eye-catching yellow stole,” Profe said.
