The Hays High School World Language Club has been very active with the start of second semester, meeting every Thursday during PRIDE Time in sponsor Codi Fenwick’s room, Room 114.
With cultural education, guest speakers and student presentations, the club focuses on expanding student understanding of foreign languages and different regions of the world.
“World Language Club is a community of students who meet once a week on Thursdays to go through a rotation of languages,” junior Willow Nickell said. “These languages include French, Japanese, Chinese and more. [The club was] made by students, for students.”
One speaker included World Geography teacher Paul English. In his presentation, he discussed the basics of the Japanese language, including simple phrases, greetings and salutations while also including information to strengthen students’ cultural understanding.
While language education plays a major role in this club, it also incorporates activities and celebrations.
“My freshman year, we did an International Day, but not my sophomore or junior year,” senior Emmaline Leuschner said. “I thought it would be fun to bring it back my senior year, so I reached out to Mrs. Fenwick, and she said it would be a good idea.”
World Language Club International Day will be held after school on Friday, April 4. Attendees will bring items that highlight their cultures. The club members are also planning to bring foods from different cultures, as well as have potential performers.
“What I like about International Day is getting to see other people’s cultures and see the school and community come together for a fun celebration,” Leuschner said.
World Language Club also plans to end this year with a celebration.
“We have an end-of-the-year party where we eat food, do karaoke and celebrate our accomplishments of the year,” Nickell said.
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