Old Saybrook High School proudly welcomed its newest members into the World Language Honor Society during a special morning ceremony celebrating academic excellence, cultural understanding, and the study of world languages.
Students and staff gathered as representatives from the French and Spanish programs led the induction, highlighting the importance of world language education in fostering global citizenship. The ceremony opened with greetings from student leaders, who emphasized the Society’s mission: to recognize students who have demonstrated high achievement in their language studies and who are committed to furthering cross-cultural understanding.
French Honor Society Induction
The first group honored was the French Honor Society, Les Béliers. To qualify, students must be sophomores or older, enrolled in at least French III, hold a minimum cumulative average of 90% across all high school French courses, and complete 10 hours of community service annually.
During the ceremony, inductees lit candles and recited the traditional French pledge, emphasizing their dedication to the French language, global friendship, and cultural appreciation.
French Inductees included:
Katie Berner, Ronald Calle, Azemina Cecunjanin, Joao Victor Contin, Kayke De Sousa, Sasha Dziebel, Connor Henderson, Alessandra LeGeyt, Joe Lombardi, Gordon Martino, Camellia Motolanez, Alex Oliver, Dylan Skiles, and Nicholas Sokolowski.
Spanish Honor Society Induction
The ceremony continued with the induction of students into the Spanish Honor Society, Los Terneros. Qualifications mirror those of the French Society, requiring at least Spanish III, strong academic performance, and a demonstrated commitment to exploring Hispanic cultures and continuing language study beyond the high school level.
Inductees lit candles and recited the Spanish Honor Society oath, promising to promote friendship and understanding across cultures and communities.
Spanish Inductees included:
Hannah Belknap, Whitney Bird, Elizabeth Bubelo, Alexa Cardello, Caroline Cardoso, Clarie Casella, Caroline Castaneda, Jonathan Chaparo, Teddy Chacha, Emily Clifford, Emerson Cooke, Casey DeAngelo, Andrew De Moura, Keegan Dobratz, Chelsea Garvey, Joshua Lopez-Cazali, Cole Paladino, Gianluca Paladino, Zoe Parakilas, Maya Pinchu, Veronica Pineda, Kimya Solomon, Michele Sapozhnikov, Carmen Vercillo, Kyle Walton, Samantha Walsh, Sylvie Webber, and Leanna Yeung.
Celebrating Excellence and Cultural Connections
World Language Department Chair Mme. Zumbaum congratulated the students for their outstanding achievement and commitment to their studies. Seniors in the program will graduate wearing honor cords representing the colors of their respective languages.
Mme. Zumbaum also thanked the faculty who help create an engaging and joyful world language environment each day, including Mme. Martin and Spanish teacher Ms. Candy D’Amico.
Spanish teacher Ms. Vazquez closed the ceremony by congratulating the inductees and inviting everyone to enjoy refreshments in the cafeteria.
Old Saybrook Public Schools congratulates all new members of the World Language Honor Society. Their passion for language, culture, and global connection embodies the district’s mission to Build Bright Futures through meaningful learning experiences across all disciplines.
