“Sprachfest 2012”
“Events like this are very important to show students that commonalities exist, not just here on Long Island, but across the State and even other countries…” Ed Ehmann, Superintendent of Smithtown Schools.
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Sallie Culloton and Ed EhmannOn Saturday, March 3, 2012, Accompsett Middle School hosted the 23rd Annual Sprachfest. The event was run by Smithtown High School West LOTE (Languages other than English) and AATG (American Association of Teachers of German). Sallie Culloton, a teacher at Smithtown High School and President of the Long Island Chapter of AATG, was the host along with Samantha Specht, Joel Sidwell and Accompsett students.
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“Sprachfest 2012” is an event that brought together students from nine school districts across Long Island. The annual event provides students a fun forum to compete in events including: (German) Vocabulary Bee, Geography Bee, Scrabble and Culture Bowl. In addition to competitive events there were opportunities for students to celebrate the richness of the German language and its culture by participating in instrumental, vocal, poetry and folk dance events.
According to Ms. Culloton many of the students, but not all who take German as a foreign language have relatives or descendants who originate in Germany. Germany is increasingly becoming a big factor in our global society and especially within the European Union. Kids today who follow current events are aware of the role Germany is playing in the European Union and the financial crisis. Some like what they hear about Germany and choose to study German.
Included in the group of people having a link to Germany is Superintendent of Smithtown schools Ed Ehmann. “The attendance here is impressive… I spent two years in Germany. I was drafted in 1971 by the US Army and was sent to Augsburg, Germany. It’s a beautiful country and the Germans are wonderful people.”;)
According to the AATG almost 300 students and teachers were expected to attend. There were nine school districts represented and sixteen schools. In addition there were volunteers from the community and parents who worked together to create a greater understanding and appreciation for German culture.
“It’s important that these students are eager to learn other languages and about other cultures. Aside from the importance of language study in a global economy, as human beings we share many similarities. And it’s wonderful that these students see those similarities and have a chance to share those similarities with other kids” said Mr. Ehmann.
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There was something for everyone: food, competition, singing, dancing and the very popular “scrabble”.
Of course it could not happen without the volunteers, and there were many! Mr. Ehmann was appreciative of all the work that went into Sprachfest 2012 and credited Sallie Culloton for its success. “It’s also great that the teachers go above and beyond to come out on a Saturday and help ensure the success of such a great event.”