Knox students compete for World Languages Cup

Students from Knox Central and Lynn Camp joined others in the region for the first ever World Languages Cup at University of the Cumberlands. The event, hosted by the Department of World Languages at Cumberlands, seeks to highlight the importance of international language and cultural programs.

“This is a great event because it’s a chance for the kids to perform under pressure, meet students from other schools and learn about University of the Cumberlands,” said Peggy Johnson, a Spanish teacher at Knox Central High School. “I encourage students to learn Spanish, study abroad and to pursue the language, especially if they plan on working in the medical field.”

Knox County’s Spanish students joined their peers from from Corbin, South Laurel, Williamsburg and Whitley County for the day long language skills event, competing in the categories of reading, writing, listening, speaking and culture in both Spanish and French.

Receiving awards from Knox Central were Amber Brown (1^st Place, Reading – Spanish I); Andrew Mills (2^nd Place, Reading – Spanish II); Peyton Barnhill (2^nd Place, Writing – Spanish II); Kelsey Golden (1^st Place – Hispanic Culture Project); and Devon McVey (3^rd Place – Hispanic Culture Project).

Receiving an award from Lynn Camp High School was Emily Partin (2^nd Place, Listening – Spanish I).

The World Languages Cup was inspired in part by UC’s annual math competition and from similar showcases hosted by the Kentucky World Language Association. Event organizers plan to continue partnering with area high schools and hope more schools and students participate in future world languages events.

“The Department of World Languages at University of the Cumberlands is proud to be hosting our first annual High School World Languages Cup,” said Jennifer Marsh, Associate Professor of Spanish at UC. “We created this day of fun competition as a way to recognize the dedicated work of the teachers and students of local high school world languages programs. The Kentucky Department of Education considers Global Competency to be critical for 21st-century learners; we hope to encourage local high school students to work toward that goal of becoming globally competent citizens.”