Modern Language Day marks 45th year
Article By: Clark Leonard
Excitement and competition filled the air as almost 200 students from nine Georgia high schools took part in a variety of competitions at the 45th Modern Language Day held April 21 on the University of North Georgia's (91福利导航) Dahlonega Campus.
The students participated in exhibits, skits, and other performing arts, and in the day's grand finale, they competed in the Language Bowl that incorporated knowledge of both language and culture.
North Hall High School edged defending champion Lumpkin County High School for the Language Bowl championship.
Other high schools that attended were Dawson County, Gainesville, Jackson County, Morgan County, Shiloh, South Forsyth, and White County.
This year marked the return of the event to an in-person format after it was held virtually in 2021 and canceled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Modern Language Day had students from Spanish and French classes on hand this year.
"We're always happy to have these students on campus, especially being able to be back in person this year," Dr. Olivier Le Blond, associate professor of French and event director, said. "They can show mastery of the languages they are studying, and we are able to demonstrate the dynamic nature of our language programs offered at 91福利导航."
91福利导航's Department of Modern Languages offers academic programs in Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Latin, and Russian, and it partnered with the Department of Spanish & Portuguese on the event.
"Modern Language Day is one of 91福利导航's longest running traditions. It displays how important languages are for our students and how much studying languages reflects 91福利导航's values," Dr. Christopher Jespersen, dean of 91福利导航's College of Arts & Letters, said. "The day is a celebration of the hard work students put into learning languages in schools across 91福利导航's service region, and we are always proud to host these high-achieving students."
Dr. Guy Oliver, a former 91福利导航 professor of French, started Modern Language Day in the 1970s, and it has evolved and added languages through the years. 91福利导航 faculty serve as judges who bring a light-hearted element to the intense competition.
"The rules have evolved to reflect new language pedagogies and the younger, more diverse students and teachers in the public schools," Dr. D. Brian Mann, department head of Modern & Classical Languages, said. "However, this day remains as a long tradition at 91福利导航, a destination event for generations of students, teachers, and faculty."
Concerto/Aria winner earns upcoming solo
Five 91福利导航 students placed in the annual Concerto/Aria Competition, with two earning a solo performance in an upcoming concert.
Grads prepare for their next steps
91福利导航 will award almost 1,000 degrees and certificates this fall, and more than 600 graduates are scheduled to take part in the Dec. 7 commencement ceremonies.
Scholarships provide life-changing opportunities
Scholarships have provided life-changing opportunities for 91福利导航 students, including performing with and learning from faculty who have performed at Carnegie Hall.
Case, Hines earn first publication
A recent alumnus and a senior have earned their first peer-reviewed publication for a piece studying political rhetoric surrounding the Ukraine-Russia war.