|
|
|
Articles
|
| Hill student wins coveted French award |
VOICE writes, "Hill student wins coveted French award
BY KATIE REYES
A natural accent for a non-native speaker of French is a rare skill that Hill native Hannah Kessler happens to have, one of the reasons she recently won the 2007-08 outstanding senior in French award from the American Association of Teachers of French.
The award is given to a graduating senior who has had at least three years of formal French studies, participated in extracurricular French activities and has demonstrated exceptional commitment to the language.
Kessler 17, is a senior boarding student at St. Margaret’s school in Tappahannock, Va. “I had no idea what the award was or who the organization was that it represented until I got it,” said Kessler, who was surprised with the award during a student body meeting.
“I have gotten a lot of compliments from my peers since I received the award. It is kind of an empowering feeling since I have been studying the language for 12 years. I am grateful for my current French teacher because now I see that I can use the language in my future career.”"
|
Kessler began studying French during her first year at Capitol Hill Day School, where her mom, Gretchen Maisch, still teaches. Kessler studied the language for seven years before she decided to attend a boarding school closer to home.
Along with studying French, Kessler has served as student body president and crew team captain. She also was a member of several academic organizations, including the National Honor Society and the Student Ambassador Society
“Hannah is a true leader,” said Kim McDowell, dean of students. “Hannah is about as involved as you can be at St. Margaret’s. She is always on the honor and merit role.”
Kessler also received the 2006-07 Wofford College Award, which is presented to students in the top 10 percent of their class who get a good score on the SAT. This award is for students who display exceptional character, scholarship and service at select independent private schools chosen by Wofford College. Kessler is invited to attend a Wofford Scholars day event on its North Carolina campus later this year.
Kessler said she is pleased with St. Margaret’s well-rounded French program that is helping her master the language, especially with her Belgium teacher, who is a native French speaker.
“I love how she takes more care … explaining the French language with French words that I already know and she is very enthusiastic about teaching, which is a bonus,” Kessler said.
She has begun pursuing prospective college and universities, including Chapman University in Orange County, Calif., for its peace studies program.
“My dream is to work with Doctors Without Borders [a French organization], in Western Europe or Africa as a possible interpreter or with the [United Nations],” Kessler said.
Kessler’s mother said about her daughter: “I am so blessed with such a wise child like Hannah. She has always been so grounded and centered.”
|
Posted on Nov 15, 2007 19:38pm.
(Return)
|
|
|
|
|
Categories
|
|
|
