Foreign language teachers inducted students in advanced Spanish, Latin, French and Chinese classes into their respective National Foreign Language Societies on May 22.

Calvin Kaleel ’18, Strauss Cooperstein ’18, Gina Choi ’18 and Jarett Malouf ’18 received the Outstanding Senior Award for their dedication to Latin, Chinese, Spanish and French respectively.

Kaleel, who is the current head of the Junior Classical League Club and plans to continue studying Latin in college, said he felt honored to be presented the award by his teachers. 

“Over my time at Harvard-Westlake, I have loved Latin with a burning passion,” Kaleel said. “The Classics have been a huge part of my life, and our Harvard-Westlake Latin Department, from Magistra Barletta at the Middle School to [Derek Wilairat] and [Bradford Holmes] at the Upper School, have kindled and helped tend that flame. I feel very honored and humbled to be given this award from a department that means so much to me.”

All Honor Society students recited a pledge of commitment to their language of study and received a certificate recognizing their induction. Several students also performed cultural pieces, including dances and songs. A reception was held Rugby Auditorium for students and their families following the ceremony.

After the ceremony, students said that they were proud to be accepted into the language society.

“I was very excited when I received my letter in the mail,” Monica Martell ’20 said. “During my studies, I have become more responsible with managing the workload and by doing so, I have been able to learn Spanish thoroughly. I certainly did not expect this, so receiving recognition was a pleasant surprise.”