Sixty-five Tappan Zee High School students were inducted and re-inducted into the Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica Capítulo Tito Puente during a November 9 ceremony. Twenty-nine students were new inductees and the remaining 36 were re-inducted this year.
The honor society’s goals are to recognize students who have achieved excellence in the study of Spanish, as well as to promote a greater understanding and appreciation of Spanish culture and civilization. “I am so proud of all of the students who have dedicated themselves to such an important society,” said honor society co-advisor and World Language teacher Kristy Walsh. “Learning another language is a portal to other cultures. When you are able to connect to people in another language, you have an opportunity to understand a different culture and empathize with those of a different background than your own. Learning a language opens your mind to think in different ways and have various perspectives. Just as our world shouldn’t be viewed through one lens, it shouldn’t be viewed through one language.”
Co-advisor and World Language teacher Odette Santiago shared similar thoughts. “I am very proud of all inductees, new and old,” she noted. “Despite a challenging time, they have chosen to continue with their study of another language and its culture. It is my greatest hope that our students will continue in their study of language beyond Tappan Zee High School as it will create numerous opportunities for them. As we live in an interconnected world, these communication skills will continue to increase in importance and value. All of our world language teachers throughout the District play an essential role in creating interest and providing students with diverse viewpoints as well as different world experiences. We are also thankful for the continued dedication and support of all administrators for our District’s world language program.”
Congratulations, inductees and re-inductees!
