New Trier Students Awarded In 17th National CLASS Essay Contest

Press release from the New Trier Township High School District 203:

Three New Trier students competed in The 17th National CLASS Essay Contest this fall, hosted by the Chinese Language Association of Secondary-Elementary Schools (CLASS). The topic for the CLASS 2020 Essay Contest was "A Time Capsule from the Year 2020," and students were encouraged to use Chinese in describing items that are representative of their life in living through the COVID-19 pandemic. Senior Patricia Yang received the Gold Award, sophomore Tyler Wang received the Silver Award, and junior Max Hartman received an Honorable Mention.

"With the help of all my Chinese teachers, I've learned so much about Chinese language and culture," Yang said. "Despite being in a pandemic, I was able to continue my engagement in Chinese learning and apply all the knowledge that I have accumulated over the past four years. Receiving an award from the National Chinese Essay Competition is one of my proudest achievements and I cannot wait to continue exploring and learning Chinese language and culture."

Hundreds of students from around the U.S. competed in beginner, intermediate or advanced divisions among three categories based on their language experience. Categories included students who are non-native speakers of Chinese in a regular foreign language program, students who are heritage learners and students who have been in an immersion program regardless of first language background.

This press release was produced by the New Trier Township High School District 203. The views expressed here are the author's own.