District 99 Students Excel In 2022 National German Exam

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — Seven students from Community High School District 99 earned medals or received honorable mention for their performance on the National German Exam in 2022.

“The National German Exam is a rigorous test including listening and viewing segments, which help students to develop competence in communicating effectively and with cultural competence,” Gunde Iwersen-Burrit, who teaches German at Downers Grove North, said in news release.

Iwersen-Burrit added, “Taking this test shows commitment to the language and dedication to continue to learn and grow.”

The students who earned awards are as follows:

• Maya Kolbeck of Downers North: silver medal in level two
• Joe Kapsch of Downers North: bronze medal in level four
• Samuel Blough of Downers South: honorable mention in level three
• Margaret Clark of Downers South: honorable mention in level three
• Sarah Homberg of Downers South: honorable mention in level three
• Karol Niziolek of Downers South: honorable mention in level three
• Karan Shetty of Downers North: honorable mention in level four

More than 20,000 high school students participate in the National German Exam annually.

“We are incredibly proud of our students not only for taking this exam, but earning this prestigious recognition,” said Downers Grove South German teacher Sarah Moreno.

Moreno added, “We hope these students will continue their language studies beyond their high school career.