Several middle school students in the district earned gold medal status on the recent national world language exams. 

At Merrick Avenue Middle School, Michelle Serban earned Oro (gold) on the National Spanish Exam. Serban, who is in Erin Yaltzindeg’s class, will receive a monetary award at the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese ceremony in June. 

“This year, each teacher in the World Language Department selected students to participate in the national contests for French, Italian and Spanish,” said World Languages Chairperson Rosa Kaplan.
 
Grand Avenue also had several gold medal winners including Melissa Steinhaus’ Italian contest gold winner, Jake Arlia, was the lone winner for his category. He earned a monetary prize and a free two-week language course in Italy. 

Richard Zawislak’s French gold winner was Gina Millheiser-Benson. Sean Doherty and Ms. Marie McDonnell are also proud of their gold medal winners Phillip Barbera, Julia Collins, Eimaan Kahn and Stamatia Papzis. 

“To earn the prestigious gold medal recognition, students must place in the 95th or higher percentile on the exam,” added World Languages Chairperson Renee Fallon.