Fifteen seniors and three juniors were inducted into World Language Honor Societies on March 12, 2025, in recognition of their achievements in Latin, French, and Spanish.

Students qualifying for induction were required to be either juniors taking an honors level-five course or members of the senior class who have satisfied Oak Knoll’s three-year language requirement and are in their fourth year of language studies at the honors four, five, or advanced placement level.

During student reflections, offered both in English and their chosen language of study, the students further reflected on their embrace of the world languages through extracurricular activities and student publications.  

“Today, we recognize a group of exceptional students who have demonstrated persistence, passion, and intellectual curiosity in their pursuit of mastering another language,” said World Languages Department Chair Veronika Zavaleta-Tejeda. “Their dedication speaks volumes — not just about their academic commitment but about their willingness to engage with the world beyond their own.”

The following students were inducted during the annual ceremony on March 12, 2025:

National Junior Classical League

• Abigail Donofrio ’25
• Catherine Franks ’25
• CeCe Honeker ’26
• Lillyana Venezia ’25

La Société Honoraire de Français

• Melissa Dardanello ’25
• Pia Franzese ’26
• Grace Koetje ’25
• Amelia Pace ’25
• Hannah Strauss ’25
• Lauren White ’25

La Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica

• Keira Ardise ’25
• Ryan Arends ’25
• Lauren Buggie ’25
• Esperanza Burbano ’26
• Betsy Burton ’25
• Charlotte Isabel ’25
• Clara Vales ’25
• Anna Wojie ’25

For senior Hannah Strauss ’25, her love of the French language began when she was 11 years old and continued to blossom at Oak Knoll.

“Through speaking and writing in French, I have developed my skills as well as my perspective. Additionally, I have had incredible classmates who motivate me to continue practicing my language and collaborate,” Strauss said, speaking in French.

Strauss also pointed to performing at the Lycée Français de New York as another major highlight of her language study at Oak Knoll. She indicated a desire to travel to Paris and immerse herself further in the French language and culture.

Senior Kiera Ardise ’25, speaking in Spanish, said her experience studying Spanish at Oak Knoll was simultaneously challenging and enriching. 

“Taking Spanish courses throughout my time at Oak Knoll has encouraged me to analyze the world around me, and see more clearly issues, events, and cultural differences in the Spanish-speaking world,” Ardise added, specifically highlighting the school’s exchange program with the St. Ignasi School in Barcelona, Spain.

Catherine Franks ’25, speaking with classmate Abigail Donofrio ’25, said learning about Latin went far beyond the study of language.

“Latin isn’t just about words, it’s about philosophy, history, and discipline. It challenges us to think critically and logically, like solving a puzzle, especially when breaking down complex texts,” Franks said. “Whether we are in Caesar’s Bellum Gallicum or Virgil’s Aeneid, we dissect these texts and learn about Roman warfare, leadership, and the roles of the gods.”

Please join us in congratulating these students for their impressive achievements in world languages, a pursuit we hope will continue at Oak Knoll and beyond!