Approximately 500 students from Douglas County and surrounding counties participated in this year’s West Metro Foreign Language Forum held Saturday, May 6, at Douglas County High School. This oral language contest recognizes students for their language proficiency and encourages students and teachers to continue their pursuit of foreign language excellence.

Research shows that foreign language study enhances overall cognitive development, builds thinking skills, math ability, self-esteem and an appreciation of different cultures. Students who study at least three years of a foreign language score higher on the SAT nationally and even higher in Georgia, and regardless of other factors, students taking a foreign language score better on standardized tests. Literacy and fluency in a foreign language is essential in preparing our students to be competitive in the 21^st century and is a matter of national security.

With the state’s new Bi-literacy Seal and International Skills Diploma Seal, it is clear more than ever that the development of language skills by students is essential for the future. West Metro Foreign Language Forum is a significant tool in motivating our students toward excellence.

Students were evaluated on their fluency, pronunciation, understanding, and accuracy. Participants were from all high schools and middle schools in Douglas County, and judges included current, retired, and recently hired foreign language teachers from Douglas County and across metro Atlanta. The French and Spanish National Honor Societies at Douglas County High School helped organize and carry out this special event that recognized students as Superior, Excellent, or Good in their Foreign Language proficiency.

Pictured are a few of the Douglas County High School students who were awarded a “Superior” rating in their foreign language proficiency. Front row L to R: Deborah Seong, Uzo Chukka, French teacher Madame Whitney Dubrulle, Machi Okeke, Nathaniel Christian. Back row: Tari Clement, Edgar Romero, Mofolu Popoola