Diligence was rewarded at the high school’s World Language Honor Society induction ceremony on March 28, welcoming 73 new members. A total of 111 of the school’s students are enrolled in the school’s French, Italian and Spanish honor societies for 2018-2019. Inductees are required to earn an average of 92 or higher in their world language classes, demonstrate an overall GPA of 85 or above, receive outstanding recommendations from school staff, and act as peer leaders.

“In addition to maintaining exceptional grades in their world language courses, these students are dedicated to helping Deer Park’s multilingual and multicultural community,” said Ashley Rosenberg, the district administrator for ENL and world languages. “They have worked diligently to earn this tremendous achievement.”

“When I was a high school principal, this was always one of my favorite nights,” said James Cummings, the district’s assistant superintendent for pupil personnel services and the incoming superintendent of schools. “It is an opportunity to congratulate a group of students who I always felt held a special place in my heart and in the high school. So many students are looking for the easy way out, doing the minimum amount they can do, but the kids we honored did a couple of things. They kept going with a foreign language when a lot of students stopped. Not only did they keep going, they excelled at it. Communication is crucial, and as our world shrinks, being comfortable communicating with other cultures and human beings who might not have the same background or history is the most important skill we can teach our kids today.”

The packed audience of proud families was entertained by music from band director Jerry Cannarozzo and the school’s jazz ensemble, a perfect touch to complete an evening of candle lighting and congratulations.