CELEBRATION OF YOUTH: Students Achieving In Modern Languages by Jason Allen

In a recent edition of The Anguillian, there was a section in which many students were praised for having done well at a spelling bee competition in the Modern Languages Department of the Albena Lake Hodge Comprehensive School. I too thought this was a noteworthy issue so I decided to contact Mimi Connor, Chair of the Department of Modern Languages.

I asked her for names of students who had done exceptionally well throughout the year. My affinity for Modern Languages derives from the fact that I too had a seven year career as a Spanish and English instructor at the secondary and collegiate level. I believe that the acquisition of a second language or the continued development of one’s native language(s) is of great importance to the academic development of a child. Quite often, there is much emphasis placed on subjects such as mathematics, sciences, and history. English, in an English speaking country, is always of course an important subject as it is usually a major requirement for advancing to the next level or even graduating from an institution. However, foreign languages are constantly overlooked and deemed as a mere requirement.
Students who excel in foreign languages are consistently some of the best students in all subjects. Foreign language acquisition requires a great deal of motivation, dedication, and intelligence. It is difficult to re-wire the brain to communicate in any other way than the dominant. However, the fact that everyone can speak a language suggests that the brain is hard-wired for “learning a language.” Therefore, in attempting to communicate using different rules and basic notions, a student will improve dramatically in their critical, abstract, and analytical thinking skills. When I asked Mimi Connor to identify some students who have been successful in the language classroom, she immediately said that not only were they good at Modern Languages, but in every subject. I would therefore like to congratulate all those students and teachers who are doing well in their respective language classes, but also use this forum to express my belief that all children should be exposed to learning a different language other than their native tongue(s).
Here are some other questions I asked Mrs. Connor pertaining to the school and the Modern Languages Department:

What are some major or positive events from the past school year that you feel are important to mention?

The Modern Language Club, an extracurricular organization which meets weekly, continued to grow as evidenced by increased membership and a strengthened executive council. Successful fundraisers were held in support of the goals and activities planned for the upcoming school year such as travel to French and Spanish speaking destinations, and celebrations of cultural diversity through fairs, socials and student exchanges.

Explain the role of the Modern Languages Department.

The Modern Languages Department is responsible for ensuring the development of the students’ literacy in French and Spanish language and culture. Through effective curriculum coverage, assessment and reporting, we establish high expectations and clear targets to challenge our students to achieve at the highest levels, including the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) external overseas examinations.

As a teacher and chair of the Modern Languages Department, what goals have you set for next year?

There are several, but to highlight a few....
A. We wish to increase language facility through travel and cultural exchange opportunities for the students and teachers. The Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School is an active partner in the Institute of Franco-Caribbean Cooperation (ICFC), a Caribbean teaching cooperative based in Guadeloupe and partnered with Saint Martin, Saint Maarten, Saint Lucia and Trinidad & Tobago. A number of projects are being planned within this partnership to directly benefit the students.
B. In order to support all the language classrooms on both campuses, we wish to improve our technical equipment inventory to include CD/cassette players, DVD/video players, monitors, and even a karaoke machine.

Are there any teachers in your department you would like to highlight for their dedication to the youth?
The staff in the department, teaching French and/or Spanish in Forms 1-5 are:
Mrs. Rita Celestine-Carty, Mr. Whaldama Brooks, Mr. Colin Johnson, Ms. Marcia Hodge, and Mrs. Christina Richardson.
These educators are dedicated to teaching and support the children’s interests and activities in and outside of the classroom. In particular, they volunteer their time to assist with Modern Language Club activities, student exchanges, pen pal networks as well as the coaching sessions which are needed in preparation for the spelling bees. One teacher in particular is very active in youth activities: Mr. Colin Johnson’s involvement with our young people includes the coordination of the Young Debators’ Club, coaching the
National Female Football, being an officer for Female Football Development,
coaching the Stoney Ground Athletics & Football Team, the National Male Under 15 Football team and coordinating the All-Ah-Wee Youth Theatre Players.

Many students have benefited from the aforementioned teachers and program. Both Mimi Connor and Rita Celestine Carty specifically mentioned various students who have excelled above and beyond expectations. Mrs. Carty made the following comments about these specific children:

Jelani Banks is an excellent language student, involved in many sporting activities and has represented Anguilla abroad with his Tae-Kwon-Do club. He is an advanced student of music. He is active in the Boys Brigade and in his church. Demi Lloyd is interested in cultural activities and has participated in both the Prince and Princess (which she won at the tender age of 9) and in the Talented Teen Competition. She is also interested in Visual Arts. Generally she is most helpful, pleasant and polite. Sherise Brooks is a student of the highest order, a debater who represented her House – Maroon House in the Inter-House Debating Competition held this school year. Vernicia Hodge is a member of All-a-We Young Theatre Players and recently travelled to New York with the group. Veneshaw Hodge is an athlete and a striving student. She has a large academic load in school and she pursues several additional subjects – yet makes sure that she trains every day – even on an afternoon when she has had exams and was due to sit exams the following day! Vailisia Davis Carty gets an A for effort in school. She is President of the Environmental Club and works very hard to promote its activities and to raise funds for the group. Just the mention of the word ‘school’ excites her and she is highly motivated by assessment activities. Keivelle Lake is very community-minded. He is always ready to serve and because of his sense of humour, finds all tasks easy. He is a Youth Leader in many ways and is active in his church. He was Valedictorian of the Class of 2005. Keiron Kentish is an avid footballer and is the student leader of Pink House. His House Spirit is highly acclaimed and he simply exudes life and youth. Sporting activities mean a lot to him. Twin sisters Krystie and Krystal Webster have endless energy and are always seeking to engage in positive pursuits. They are music students and are active in their church. They are also athletes. Krystie is a member of one of the female football teams. She also won the Optimist Oratorical Contest this year and went on to Jamaica to compete at the Zone Level in July. She also represented Orange House in the Statistics Quiz held earlier this year. She is the current holder of the Jamida Trophy which is awarded annually for outstanding House Spirit. Krystal is also an Anguillian tennis champion.

There were other students that excelled as well in the area of foreign language:
Tawnya Richardson, Melena Halley, Jiva Niles, Nina Rodríguez, Victor Richardson Carencia Rouse, Edilly Garcia, and Keisy Piña. I am also certain that there are/were many other students at the ALHCS deserving of receiving recognition and I hope they will feel represented by the students mentioned here.

I commend these students and teachers for doing a fantastic job this past school year. I also support the efforts of foreign language teachers in general as second language acquisition is vital to the mental maturation of students as well as in terms of understanding other cultures. As always, if you know of anyone or any organization doing great things in the community, please e-mail at jallen@caribcable.com.