By Paula Zuniga & Maeve Crothers
Accolade
Loy Norrix HS
1st Place Division 2, Yearbook Verbal
Sidebar Coverage
JUDGING CRITERIA
- Coverage adds to spread contents
- Sidebar should have its own mini-headline
- Content is in a form that makes it appealing as well as easily accessible to the reader
- Evidence of adequate research
- Contents enhance spread coverage by adding meaningful information and/or insights
- Adheres to rules of good journalism including: short paragraphs, effective transitions and use of active voice, freedom from editorial comment, careful editing and proofreading to eliminate mechanical errors, correct use of grammar
Last year, Kalamazoo Public Schools stated that students must obtain 2.0 credits of a world language class in order to graduate, but many students are taking the class for more than just a required credit. Loy Norrix, being a diverse school, offers opportunities for students to learn more about themselves and their culture.
“Even though I already know Spanish and use it to communicate with my family, taking Spanish classes have helped me correct my Spanish because my mom has only taught me slang,” said junior Dennis Rodas.
Students are learning about their background and how fascinating different cultures can be when you study them. This is especially true for students who have plans of travelling back to their roots.
“Being adopted from China, I never got to learn that culture, but when I learned that Loy Norrix was offering a Chinese course, I decided it was time for me to start learning, especially because I’m going to China next year and it will be nice to know the basics,” said senior Emily Batzloff.
Taking a world language course means more to these students than just meeting college requirements or maintaining easy As. To many students, these classes help them connect to their cultures and heritage.
“I don’t want to lose the ability to speak Spanish because it’s something that is important to my parents; it’s part of them, that why I am taking a Spanish class,” said freshman Isac Rojo.
Not only have world language classes helped students learn more about their cultures, it has created a workspace for certain students to master the language and discover where they came from.