Over 40 students from both Downers Grove North High and South High Schools took the optional National German Exam in late 2016 and received recognition for their performance. The National German Exam, now in its 57th year, is sponsored by the American Association of Teachers of German (AATG). Students are also able to receive regional and national rewards, including a Study Trip Award. Students Brian Williams and Aistis Sadauskas represented South High and North High, respectively, in the regional competition.
Over 20,000 students participated in the exam this year; over 6,700 received medals.
“We are proud of these students for challenging themselves to take these exams,” says German teacher Sarah Moreno, who teaches levels 3 and 4. Students are invited by their teachers to take the optional test. Janet Stock also teaches German (level 2) at South High.
“Taking the National German Exam shows commitment to the language and a dedication to continuing to learn and grow,” says Gunde Iwersen-Burritt, who teaches level 1, 2 and AP German at North High. “These rigorous exams include listening and viewing segments, which help students to develop competence in communicating effectively and with cultural competence.” Anne Herrmann also teaches German (level 1 and three) at North High.
“The outstanding performance of these German students in our national competition brings honor to their school, their district, and their German program. The AATG salutes their tremendous accomplishment and the great work their teachers do,” says AATG President Hal Boland.
Founded in 1926, the AATG represents German teachers at all levels of instruction. The AATG is dedicated to the advancement and improvement of the teaching of language, literature, and culture of the German‐speaking countries.
National German Exam - District 99 Student Achievement
Level 4 Gold:
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Sarah Mueller (DGS)
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Gerda Zasytyte (DGS)
Level 3 Gold:
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Kaylee McCarthy (DGN)
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Troy McDonald-Schumaker (DGN)
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Maximilian Schmidt-Bailey (DGS)
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Brian Williams (DGS)
Level 2 Gold:
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Georgi Kiricov (DGN)
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Aistis Sadauskas (DGN)
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Erin Slattery (DGN)
Level 4 Silver:
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Sarah Martinez (DGN)
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Lucas Sheppard (DGN)
Level 3 Silver:
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Noah McLennan (DGS)
Level 2 Silver:
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Benjamin Bollinger (DGN)
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Hanna Diggory (DGS)
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Claire Flynn (DGN)
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Katherine Gross (DGN)
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Jennifer Lopez (DGS)
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Lucy Nevrly (DGN)
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Patrick Ryan (DGN)
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Cosette Thompson (DGN)
Bronze – Level 2
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Lily Buehler (DGN)
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Elinor Cawthorne (DGN)
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Braeden Gagliano (DGN)
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Victor Merkin (DGN)
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Jacob O’Shea (DGN)
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Michaela Rakos (DGS)
Achievement - Level 4
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Ali Anwar (DGN)
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Mary Fleming (DGN)
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Nauris Pilkionis (DGS)
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Parker Winters (DGN)
Achievement - Level 3
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Jennifer Casey (DGN)
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Celestyna Jarzabek (DGS)
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Theodore Schneider (DGN)
Achievement - Level 2
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Carson Aldrich (DGS)
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Sarah Granstrom (DGS)
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Matthew Moravec (DGN)
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William Morlock (DGS)
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Marisol Morrissey (DGN)
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Daniel Slattery (DGN)
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Isabella Sobczak (DGN)
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Phebe Stewart (DGN)
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Melissa Tepe (DGS)
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Conor Thomas (DGN)
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