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Central Catholic Students earn top honors in 2009 National Spanish Exam

WHEELING — Twenty-five Central students received national ranking for their successful test scores on the 2009 National Spanish Examination administered this spring, with seven receiving silver or bronze medal recognition. Of the 46 prizes awarded in West Virginia, CCHS students earned 25 (or 54 percent).

Top honors in Level I (Spanish I) went to freshman David Stanley, whose scores earned him a tie for first place ranking among West Virginia’s Level I test-takers. Stanley also earned a national Silver Medal award. Other Level I award winners were freshmen Seth Yost who tied for third overall in the state and earned a national Bronze medal and Luke Drnach who tied for fifth in W.Va. and also earned a national Bronze medal.

Level II (Spanish II) CCHS students who earned medal distinctions were Tori Zambito (3rd in W.Va./Bronze), Alexis Ashbrook (3rd in W.Va./Bronze) and Emma Russell (5th in W.Va./Bronze).

In Level III (Spanish III), a first place ranking in the state was awarded to senior Stephanie Pockl, whose scores earned her a Bronze medal.

Additionally, National Excellence Awards and state distinctions were awarded to the following students:

Level I in W.Va.: McKensie Mason, 6th (tie); Noah Clark, 7th; Michael Lusard, 8th (tie); Monica Mason, 9th; Becca Barnes, 10th , Julia Palmer, 11th; Jacob Mayles, 12th; Hannah Mason, 13th ; Rachel Painter, 14th; and Matt Schuetz, 19th.

Level II in W.Va.: Jesse John, 8th; Nichole Scott, 9th; Gem Jao, 11th; and Andrew Howard, 12th (tie).

Level III in W.Va.: Jacob Hilton, 2nd; Matthew Saporito, 4th; and Nathan McFadden, 6th.

Level IV in W.Va.: Megan Griffin, 7th.

The national prizes are awarded based on the students’ “raw test scores,” which are turned into percentile ranks. National Awards are distributed as follows:

CCHS Spanish Instructor Jan Grubler says the National Spanish Examination (NSE) measures both achievement and proficiency of students who are studying Spanish as a second language. “The achievement portion of the exam focuses on vocabulary and grammar while the proficiency section measures students’ reading and listening comprehension skills,” Grubler said. “We are very proud of these students because they have successfully mastered the necessary language skills at each level and have used their knowledge well.”

Grubler added that this year’s overall test material seemed more difficult than years past, especially on the third year level and above. Central Catholic has participated in the online NSE for the last three years, while having participated in the written test form for decades prior to that. “We consider the exam a wonderful challenge for our students and a great college preparatory tool as well,” said Grubler, who has been teaching Spanish for 33 years.

She and fellow Spanish Teacher Kelly Wilson prepare their students to take the test by encouraging them to utilize the practice tests provided by the NSE; otherwise, it’s simply “business as usual” in their classrooms.

The NSE is designed and distributed by the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese. Every year, the NSE is given voluntarily by over 3,000 teachers throughout the U.S. Last year, more than 89,000 students nationwide participated in the exam.

With a foundation dating back to the 19th century, a faith-based education stands as the hallmark of Wheeling Central Catholic High School. Located in the heart of The Friendly City, Wheeling Central is proud of its 420-member student body and their outstanding academic, athletic, and community service achievements. One of seven Catholic High Schools in West Virginia, Wheeling Central is where championship lives begin.