Staples High School’s many talented actors, musicians and athletes get plenty of press — and well-deserved praise
Plenty of others do equally admirable work, far beyond the spotlight.
Today we salute Natalia Garment, Neha Singh and Jessie Zhang.
The highly motivated, self-starting seniors created SpeakEasy. The student-run organization supports language learners, and increases access to multilingual education.
They promote biliteracy through free tutoring. They’ve hosted a fundraiser at Toquet Hall.
Now they’ve partnered with the Westport Library.
Next month, SpeakEasy offers free beginner Spanish, Mandarin and French classes for students ages 6-9 at the Library.
Group members have earned the Connecticut Seal of Biliteracy, and have experience teaching peers and younger students. Families may sign their child up for individual sessions using this link.
SpeakEasy has also designed a special “Biliteracy Bookshelf,” at the entrnace of the Library’s children’s section. Prior to lessons, families are encouraged to visit the display.
Natalia, Neha and Jessie: You are our Unsung Heroes of the week. Congratulations!
Or — as you already know how to say: Félicitations! ¡Felicidades! Gōngxǐ!
From left: Neha Singh, Jessie Zhang and Natalia Garment, at their Westport Library display.
(“06880” is proud to honor Unsung Heroes — and tell many other tales of town too. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog.)
How were those three languages chosen?
I believe each of the three students specializes in one of those world languages at Staples HS.
Thanks makes sense 👏
English is the most spoken language in the world. Spanish is the fourth, plus 23% of Americans are of Hispanic decent. French is in the top 10. Mandarin is the second most spoken language in the world. 25 years ago it used to be #1, but with the low birth rate, it’s now number two.