Fayetteville-Manlius High School AP Spanish student Sureeta Das has earned a prestigious scholarship to study in Spain this summer.
Each year, students across the country participate in the National Spanish Exam (NSE), a program of the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese (AATSP). Due to Sureeta’s consistent high achievement, earning Gold Medals on the exam in Levels 2, 3 and 4 along with her participation in the Level 5 exam this year, she qualified for and was awarded the Senior Travel Study Abroad Scholarship.
“Learning the Spanish language over the past six years has truly been an extraordinary experience,” shared Sureeta. “Through learning about the culture in class and participating as an officer in the Spanish Honor Society, I developed a deeper appreciation for the language. I took the National Spanish Exam over the past three years and have enjoyed the opportunities it has given me. These experiences sparked my desire to pursue a program where I could speak with other students.”
This new scholarship provides eligible students with the opportunity to travel to and study the language and culture of a Spanish-speaking country. This summer, recipients will travel to Salamanca, Spain, to participate in the International Courses program at the historic University of Salamanca.
The award includes 20 hours of Spanish language instruction, cultural tours, meals, transportation, and insurance. Students will receive a certificate from the university confirming completion of the coursework and may have the opportunity to apply for university credit, depending on individual college requirements.
“Going to Salamanca is one step closer to understanding the diversity of Spanish-speaking populations, and I will utilize this opportunity to build a foundation for my future in medicine. I look forward to connecting with the nine other participants and studying at the University of Salamanca in Spain,” said Sureeta.
Teachers say she is truly deserving of this opportunity.
“I have had the privilege of teaching Sureeta for three of her years at F-M. She is an exceptional student; hard-working and dedicated. She sees the great value in learning languages, and I am confident that she will fully embrace her experience in Salamanca. I am very proud of her and I will miss being her teacher next year,” shared F-M High School National Board Certified Spanish teacher Stephanie Cimino.
The trip is scheduled to run July 18-26. Congratulations Sureeta!