As per tradition, Indian Hills’ World Language National Honors Society (WLNHS) ceremony took place this school year on December 6th, 2023. WLNHS is a prestigious student organization recognizing high achievement in the study of language. The society aims to promote high standards of scholarship in the studies of language and to stimulate enthusiasm for said studies. WLNHS requires proof of excellence in language performance, along with apt leadership qualities and cultural awareness. After undergoing an evaluation process, a select 40 students were admitted into the society. Upon further rigorous appraisal, four of the students were selected to be officers of the different language societies.

WLNHS offers opportunities for students to further develop their linguistic skills. Kylee Kublin, officer, stated, “I originally joined WLNHS to not only receive recognition for taking 4 years of Italian class, but also to help other students advance their understanding of a new language. I am not Italian in any way, however I chose to take it in 7th grade, falling in love with the culture and learning a new language. Now, as a member of WLNHS, I am extremely excited to start helping the students learn key concepts and possibly help others develop a similar love for the language.” Kublin plans to lead service projects and cooperate in the WLNHS tutoring program. 

In past years, WLNHS has demonstrated the impressive linguistic achievements of the students of Indian Hills, showcasing their talent through recitation of their chosen language and commitment to further their language-learning journey. This year was no different in terms of the students’ success. The only difference was the advisors. Having been run by numerous IHHS language teachers in the past, and a Ramapo teacher the year prior, the society took a different approach this year, as two advisors took on the role of orchestrating the ceremony. The co-advisors, Señora de Diego and Señora Brown, worked jointly to host an engaging and culturally rich ceremony.

On the night of the ceremony, society admittees arrived in various colors in accordance with their chosen language. From there, procedure followed as usual, with candle lighting and the handing of certificates. The students displayed advanced knowledge of language through poem readings, songs, and speech recitations, all in their chosen languages. In delivering these readings, the students kept the audience engaged, giving a spark of personality to an otherwise simple event. “Señora de Diego and I were proud to showcase the talent of the Indian Hills World Language Honors Society students at the ceremony,” states Señora Brown with a smile.

The passion and drive in the students of the WLNHS was palpable throughout the night, as spirit and commitment rang throughout the auditorium. Though the ceremony is past, the societies’ students remain dedicated to their languages, showing their clear dedication to their languages on a daily basis, both in the classroom and in life.