Valwood Inducts 34 Students into Spanish Honor Society
HAHIRA, GA – September 9, 2024 – Valwood School inducted its third class of students into the Juan Jose Arevalo Chapter (est. 2023) of the Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica (SHH) — the Spanish Honor Society. The ceremony took place on Valwood’s campus on Monday, September 9.
To be eligible for membership in the SHH, students must be actively enrolled in an upper-level Spanish class (Spanish III or higher), have a cumulative Spanish average of 90 or higher, and must demonstrate character, leadership, honesty, and service. Brian Crouch, a Valwood Spanish teacher, and the society’s advisor said “I am thrilled that our school celebrates students who excel in their Spanish classes. I have truly enjoyed seeing the growth of our Spanish program and the hard work the students here today have put into their Spanish lessons.” During the ceremony, Mr. Crouch was assisted by co-presidents, Michael Matchett and Hudson Paylo and Chad Gallahan, Upper School Dean.
This year’s inductees are Presley Allen, Megan Allison, Nicholas Alvarado, Brody Burch, Libby Carroll, Louden Castor, Maddox Coile, Tucker Daniel, Harper Dasher, Elizabeth Edenfield, Will Greene, Haley Hardy, Chase Helfer, Faris Henderson, William Holloway, Richard Hunter, Cort Kurrie, Destyn Lain, Aahna Mattis, Jackson Melendez, Katie Min, Hattie Montgomery, Wilkin Moritz, Jack Morris, Annabel Musgrove, Jed Respess, Tyler Sadler, Campbell Shaw, Will Trickett, Davis Tyrone, Devin Williams, Owen Williams, Dax Womack, and Westin Zickos.
After receiving their membership certificates, Mr. Crouch presented three awards. The first award was the Premio de Servicio, an award given to a graduating member who has shown their commitment to the service of others in line with their dedication to the Spanish language program. This award is embodied in an individual who serves beyond the requirement set out by the Sociedad Honoria Hispanica and who puts their Spanish skills to practical use. This year’s recipient was Sam Jordan. The second award was the Premio de Excelencia, an award given to graduating members who have shown excellence within the classroom and an exceptional commitment to the Spanish Language. These individuals have distinguished themselves in their acquisition and study of the language. The recipients were Hannah Ward, Sienna Persaud, Wyatt Wolford, and Hali Thomas. The final award was the Premio de Honor, this award is given to a graduating senior who not only excels in the classroom but distinguishes themselves in their assistance to the Spanish language program. This award is presented to a student who demonstrates exceptional strength of character and integrity both in the classroom and in the community. This year’s recipient was Hayes Griffin.
“My hope is for our students to truly understand the value of speaking more than one language,” Crouch said.
