spacer High School Students Embrace Foreign Languages at PC

Approximately 200 high school students throughout the Valley will reveal their foreign language skills during the 21st Annual High School Foreign Language Competition on Saturday, April 10, 2010 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Phoenix College, 1202 W. Thomas Rd.

Since 1989, the Phoenix College Language Department has hosted the High School Foreign Language Competition as a community outreach activity that allows students to compete in prose recitals, poetry readings and skit presentations in Spanish, French and Navajo. In addition, prior to the event, students will submit short stories and original video commercials to be judged in advance. Winners in all categories are announced at the event.

“Knowing how to speak a second language is beneficial, and these students are gaining a marketable skill,” said Phoenix College Foreign Language Department Chair and Spanish Instructor Delia Escalante. “Not only do they know a second language, but they have also improved their understanding of other people and cultures—language and culture go hand-in-hand.”

This event is free, and the community is invited to join Valley high school students as they celebrate foreign languages through script, poetry and literature at the 20th Annual Foreign Language Competition.

“The competition brings the best out of these students, and they bring enthusiasm and energy with them,” said Escalante. “They have worked hard to get here and are eager to showcase their second language proficiency and skill.”

For more information, contact the Phoenix College Foreign Language Department at (602) 285-7170.