Stein Elementary fifth-graders Fernanda Balderrama and Natalia Zavaleta received second and first place honors respectively, in the Elementary Division of the CABE “Proud to Be Bilingual” essay contest.
Each year, the Colorado Association for Bilingual Education (CABE) sponsors a writing competition entitled “Proud to Be Bilingual”, to celebrate the work of bilingual learners in dual language education programs across Colorado. Of the competition’s seven statewide award winners, four are Jeffco Public Schools students.
This year, the “Proud to Be Bilingual” essay contest received over 150 submissions from 50 schools across Colorado. The writing submissions elaborated on personal experiences, which highlighted the value of learning multiple languages and being bilingual.
Stein Elementary fifth-grader Natalia Zavaleta received first place honors in the Elementary Division. Her essay focused on how speaking Spanish has allowed her to develop deeper relationships with her family.
“Sadly, some of my cousins did not learn Spanish when they were little, so it’s a little bit harder for them to communicate with my grandparents than it is for us,” she wrote. “I am thankful to have learned Spanish because I have a special connection with all of my grandparents.”
The essays were evaluated by a panel of judges from CABE. Each submission was scored based on thematic development, originality, content and clarity of expression, and grammar and mechanics.
“The student essays highlight the value of bilingualism and biliteracy, and we are so proud of our students’ ability to showcase the positive impact of bilingualism on their lives and those around them,” said Jeffco Dual Language Director Catherine Baldwin. “Jeffco Public Schools has offered dual language education programs for over 20 years, and our student winners are a great example of why we want to continue offering these programs for families and students. Dual language education advances all areas of the Jeffco 2020 Vision, and we value the contributions of teachers, administrators, and families toward supporting students in pursuit of their life goals.”
Fernanda Balderrama, also a fifth-grader at Stein Elementary, placed second in the Elementary Division. Evan Davidson, who is a student at Foster Elementary, received third place honors. Alma Hernández Ánima, who is a seventh grade student at Jefferson Junior/Senior High School, placed second for her submission in the competition’s Middle School Division.
The contest winners were recognized at a CABE ceremony in September, which students’ families and Jeffco Public Schools staff also attended. Each student received an award certificate and acknowledgement for their exceptional accomplishments in celebrating bilingualism.