Three San Marcos High School Rattlers Take Honors In German

Ben Murdoch, Michelle Gomez, and Blaze Gorden, students in the 10^th grade at San Marcos High School participated in the 2017 National German Exam for High School Students and all earned the distinction of being named to the Presidential Honor Roll.

Ben Murdoch was awarded the Gold Medal in addition to receiving special recognition on the Presidential Honor Roll for outstanding performance on the exam.   Ben received this award after scoring in the 98th percentile on the Level 2 2017 National German Exam sponsored by the American Association of Teachers of German (AATG).  Ben is now eligible to apply for a scholarship for an all-expense-paid summer study opportunity in Germany, totaling roughly $3,875.

Michelle Gomez and Blaze Gordon were awarded the Silver Medal and also received special recognition on the Presidential Honor Roll for outstanding performance on the exam.   Michelle and Blaze received this award after scoring in the 88^th and 87^th percentile, respectively, on the Level 2 2017 National German Exam.

Over 20,000 students participated in the exam this year. The National German Exam, now in its 57th year, rewards students through an extensive prize program and provide a means of comparing students in all regions of the US. Hal Boland, teacher of German at Heritage High School in Leesburg, Virginia and AATG President said, “The outstanding performance of these German students in our national competition brings honor to their school, their district, and their German program. The AATG salutes their tremendous accomplishment and the great work their teachers do.”

Ben, Michelle, and Blaze are students of Mindy Foster, German teacher at San Marcos High School.

Founded in 1926, the AATG represents German teachers at all levels of instruction. The AATG is dedicated to the advancement and improvement of the teaching of language, literature, and culture of the German?speaking countries.