By Anna Skinner
Two Westfield High School students were recognized as recipients of the Indiana Outstanding High School Student of Spanish Award.
Elle McFarlane and Taylor Knight were both recognized for their dedication in learning the language. After a recommendation letter from Jen Hasler-Troutman, WHS Spanish teacher, they were awarded the accomplishment.
“They suggest that students have volunteer work in the Spanish community, show dedication through Spanish or studied abroad, and I’ve done all of those things, and figured I had a chance and ended up getting it,” said McFarlane, who studied in Leon, Spain over the summer.
McFarlane also serves as a translator through her church, volunteered at Amigos de Westfield, and tutors other Spanish students.
Knight also studied in Leon, Spain, volunteered at Amigos de Westfield and tutors other students in the language.
Both girls are AP Spanish students in Hasler-Troutman’s class.
“I am proud of this award because for me it means that I have achieved more than I thought that I could, and that I am being recognized for my passion for the language,” Knight said. “I would just like to add that the Indiana Honors Program in Foreign Language, which is the program I studied abroad with, gave me the opportunity of a lifetime and that I am truly grateful for the chance I had to do something with my passion.”
Knight and McFarlane will be honored and presented with their awards at a ceremony Nov. 7.
Knight and McFarlane say they want to continue learning the language, and McFarlane said she hopes to minor in the language at college.
“I want to be a doctor and have been told several times it’s good to speak another language, especially Spanish, in the medical career,” McFarlane said.
In addition to the girls receiving the awards, Hasler-Troutman will receive the Exceptional Teaching Impact and Motivation Award for Outstanding Spanish Teacher at the ceremony as well.
