ULM World Languages holds annual festival for high school students

The Department of World Languages at the University of Louisiana at Monroe, in conjunction with area high school teachers from West Monroe High School, West Ouachita High School, and Ouachita Christian School, recently held the Festival of World Languages for high school students.

Students from eight high schools participated: Many, Ruston, West Ouachita, West Monroe, Ouachita, River Oaks, Neville, and OCS.

Tom DeNardin, instructor in the ULM College of Business, was the special guest speaker.

DeNardin explained the importance of world language study for future professional development.

He said an important qualification to stand out in the business arena and to be remarkable when entering the workplace is to have language skills.

The festival also provided area students with an introduction to various linguistic and cultural experiences.

The program included presentations on the classical world, the Choctaw language, the new Louvre museum in Lens, France, the Battle of Agincourt, Puerto Rico, and the Basques.

ULM faculty members Dr. Mike Camille, interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Bryan Butler, instructor of world languages, Dr. Jana Giles, assistant professor of English, Dr. Chris Michaelides, associate professor of world languages, and OCS history professor Gordon Wilson were the presenters.

ULM students were involved in the planning and the coordination of the festival, which received positive reviews from the high school students who attended.

Students also enjoyed displays created by area high school students and were given a Latin dance lesson.