The foreign language department organized many different activities to promote the Foreign Language Week. To start the day off, the pledge was spoken in various languages including: Spanish, French, and Latin. This allowed everyone to appreciate something we treasure by hearing it in a new voice.

In recent years, foreign language teachers have also introduced the nameplates. Students began by interviewing an assigned teacher or staff member in the building and then created a personalized name badge. It consisted of the person’s full name, flags representing his or her heritage, as well as foreign languages spoken at home. These colorful nameplates were laminated and are hanging on their doors for all to see. “It’s another great thing we do”, said Mrs. Lamison, head of the language department. “It’s a great way to reflect everyone’s heritage.” Teachers also spent class time bringing in languages not studied in school, such as German, Italian, and Japanese.

Finally the week culminated in the National Foreign Language Honor Society’s food festival on Friday March 4th. Students involved put effort into creating a multi-cultural feast for the school. It was held in the cafeteria from 3:00 to 3:30 and all students and faculty were welcomed to attend. “The feast makes the foreign language week exceptional”, says vice president of NFLHS, Jay Chudow. “It allows people to realize the impact of food on different cultures.” Recipes of dishes at the food festival are also available.

Our global economy is crossing national and cultural boundaries as nations become even more interdependent. We come into contact with others from half way around the world. Oftentimes, it becomes a great advantage, if not a necessity, to be aware of different cultures. What better way to raise cultural awareness than a Foreign Language Week?