MaFLA 2007 Essay Contest Winners

Languages:  Mirroring the World, Shaping the Future.

Dear MaFLA Colleagues:

      The 2007 Essay Contest was once again an exciting activity for 24 MaFla members in 16 schools across the state.  This year’s competition attracted 47 essays.  The theme “Languages: Mirroring the World, Shaping the Future “, was depicted in many creative ways and the artistic talent demonstrated was exceptional.  Certificates and acknowledgements are being processed.  Judging of the entries took place in Danvers. Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to the judges who took on this challenging task.  Thank you! 

            We are pleased to announce that the following students were selected as this year’s winners:

 

 

ESSAY OF THE YEAR

 

  Stephanie Chin, grade10
Burlington High School , Burlington MA
Teacher: Rita Debellis

"Languages are like music-noises, syllables, and tones that are systematically strung together to create a greater meaning and understanding in the world. The languages that unite the world as a whole also mirror the world that birthed it.  The words that have been strung together through time, the sounds in the words,  mirror the meaning and feeling behind it, and the world around it-from the smooth and tender sounds in "amore"to the sharp and vigorous sounds of "caedes". These words that mirror the world surrounding it are the basis on which the future will take shape. "

Middle School Winner

Pratishka Yalkkishettar , Grade 8
Wood Hill Middle School , Andover, MA
Teacher: Norma Villarreal

" The rich, exuberant, and diverse languages of the world mirror their speakers, who are just as numerous and unique. The different dialects, native languages, and even ancient texts are what make this world so filled with culture. Speaking more than one language is a reward in itself, giving people the sense of accomplishment that comes with mastering a Foreign Language and the chance to make a difference in their society.  Languages do more than just mirror the world; they also shape the future. They let us communicate with our fellow human beings, giving us the ability to do extraordinary things, if we only choose to do so. They play a vital role in the lives of billions of people...

...The art of language is power; power to communicate, power to make a difference, and most important, the power of potential, infinite potential. Each one of us must transform this potential into a positive reality in shaping our world

Elementary School Winner

Norah Hogan, grade 5
Fay School , Southborough, MA
Teacher: Alina Argueta

" Languages mirror the world and shape the future in many ways because they are so important to culture and civilization... Languages mirror the world in a less obvious way than one might assume. Languages tell us about the way other people live and what they think about the world and give us a reflection of the world...  Since our main form of communication is using our many languages, that is what helps shape and change the future for the better. "

Honorable Mention

Elementary School

Jason Meuth Grade 2             The Sage School      Foxborough      Teacher: Jennifer Tanner

 Middle School

1. Elizabeth Benoit  Grade 7   Triton Regional Middle School  Byfield    Teacher:Kim Kudym
2. Gabrielle Galat    Grade 8  Wood Hill Middle School    Andover       Teacher: Laura Leach
3. Nathan Johnson   Grade 8 Wood Hill  Middle School       Andover       Teacher: Laura Leach
4. Nicholas Swindell Grade 8 Michael E. Smith Middle School  S. Hadley Teacher : Amy Riddle

 High School

1. Anya Vanwagtendonk    Grade 10 Monument Mountain Regional HS Teacher: Hugh McCartney
2. Bennett Ferris  Grade 10  Monument Mountain Regional HS Teacher : Hugh McCartney
3. Kendall Tucker Grade 9 Fay School  Southborough  Teacher : Alina Argueta
4. Jason Mintz Grade 12 Monument Mountain Regional High School Teacher : Hugh McCartney

Thank you very much for your enthusiastic participation in the 2007 Essay Contest ! 

Regina Doyle Sternlicht, 2007 Essay Contest Chair