Twenty-two Western Wayne High School students recently had the opportunity to explore languages and cultures from around the world at the 3rd Annual World Languages Day hosted by The University of Scranton on Thursday, March 5. The event brought together students from ten area school districts across the region for a day of cultural exploration and language learning.
The program’s theme encouraged students to “MAKE YOURSELF MORE (interesting than AI).” The theme challenged participants to develop the real-world communication skills, cultural understanding, and curiosity that make human connections meaningful.
Throughout the day, students participated in lightning-round beginner lessons in several languages, visited interactive exhibits, and enjoyed refreshments while meeting instructors and cultural representatives from around the world. Presenters shared insights about languages and cultures from Argentina, Egypt, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, Taiwan, and even highlighted cultural connections found right in our own community.
The event gave students a unique opportunity to interact with peers from other districts while experiencing how language learning can open doors to global understanding. Sophomore Nick Patuto volunteered to showcase his listening and speaking skills in front of the crowd of more than 200 students, teachers, and university staff.
Nick shared, “The day was so fun! I met so many nice people and going up in front of everybody made me feel like Batman.” When asked to clarify, he said, “I knew our school was relying on me to perform and I did my best, even if I did say, ¡Yo soy Pennsylvania!” he added with a laugh, a nod to part of his performance.
Before the program ended, students were given a tour of The University and treated to a delicious lunch, courtesy of the Office of Admissions, which helped students see more of the campus and get to feel what it is like to be a university student! By the end of the day, students returned with new cultural perspectives, greater enthusiasm for language study, and inspiration to continue exploring the world beyond their classroom.
Front row, from left: Britney Wertman, Jason Vass, Lola Vertalics, Katarina Shumski, Kaitlin Wargo, Kaitlyn Kloss, Anayah Almonte, Olivia McGlone, Mikayla Fullone, Kyleigh Turner, Adalyn Fox, Kaelyn Chearney, Holly Kellogg, Zackary Kizer, and Gene Yamamoto
Back row, from left: Ismael Sosa, Nicholas Patuto, Hunter Burry, Gavin Ortiz, Lance Hauenstein, Ethan Hedrick, and Jack Sepelyak.
