Three LT English as a Second Language Students Win Writing Award

The Illinois Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages/Bilingual Education (TESOL/BE) Board recently congratulated Lyons Township High School students freshman Samuel Laverde of LaGrange Park, sophomore Jose Hernandez of Hodgkins and junior Blanca Delacruz of Brookfield, for their award-winning essays in the 18^th annual TESOL/BE Writing Contest for Grades 6-12. Delacruz’s essay won 1^st place, while Hernandez essay took 2^nd place and Laverde finished 3^rd.

The 500-1000 word essay was to include aspects of their culture that they want to share with others such as holidays, differences in customs, school routines, or culture shock experiences. Entries were judged based upon content, organization, vocabulary, language use and mechanics. Criteria for judging centered on creativity, writing style, and adherence to form, rules and form.

According to LT teacher Francisco Gamboa, “Students made constant revisions whenever they had time to spare after completing their coursework. They showed how what they had to say about their lives and their rich cultures was of great importance to their work.”

Next month, the students will be honored at a ceremony at the TESOL/BE annual convention in Warrenville, IL. Each will receive an award certificate and $150, $100 and $75 respectively.