Schechter Students Earn Awards for Nat'l Spanish Exam

by Madison Hoffman, SSLI '27

On March 24, high school students who take Spanish had the opportunity to take the National Spanish Exam. Students received awards and certificates based on the percentiles in which they scored. The exam is optional, and it does not affect students' report cards.

Señora Volpin, one of Schechter’s Spanish teachers who proctored the exam, stated that “students prepare independently” for the exam “and take the exam according to their grade level.” The material on the exam is based on what each grade is learning. 

Sabrina Monasebian, a freshman who received a Silver Medal, stated that the exam consisted of “multiple choice and vocabulary [questions].” Monasebian shared that “there were some grammar [questions], but it was really easy.” Alina Meir and Adira Berman, two sophomores who received Honorary Mention Certificates, also felt the test was not difficult. Dalia Zareh, a freshman who won the gold medal, added that “the test was not difficult, just long.”

When asked why they took the exam, students responded that a good score is a great addition to their college application. “I took the National Spanish Exam because I feel like it’s something good to have on my college resume for when I’m older,” said Monasebian. 

Zareh claimed that there are no downsides to taking the exam, as “it does not affect your grade at all.” Meir felt that winning the medal was an accomplishment and that “if you want a medal, then you should take the exam.” Indeed, Volpin “always recommends that students take the exam."

Monasabian added, “I would totally recommend taking the exam to anybody else who is thinking about it because it’s a fantastic thing to have on your records. It also made me much prouder of myself and boosted my sense of intelligence for myself.”

Junior and PPN Editor Corey Flyer receives his silver medal and certificate.

Congratulations to Lia Nitzan, Dalia Zareh, Sabrina Monasebian, Anna Melzer, Alina Meir, Adira Berman, and our very own PPN editor Corey Flyer on your awards!

Madison Hoffman is a writer for Paw Print Now and has been published on the site since January 2024. Madison is currently a sophomore at the Schechter School of Long Island and can be reached at the following email address: mhoffman27@schechterli.org.