The Education Office of the Embassy of Spain in the United States has announced Westdale Middle School is a finalist for its prestigious School of the Year: Academic Excellence Award for its Foreign Language Immersion Magnet Program.

This award is given to schools in the United States that show excellence in language education programs. Westdale Middle School is being recognized for providing an outstanding content- and language-integrated Spanish immersion program. This competition is open to all public or private elementary, middle or high schools across the nation that meet the qualifications. Westdale Middle School is currently one of three national finalists at the middle school level.

"Westdale Middle School’s Foreign Language Immersion Magnet Program has been in operation for four years. During this time, it has shown a steady growth in student enrollment, and our approved applications for the 2011-2012 school year project a 33-percent growth again next year," said Principal Sherry Brock. "Our international and East Baton Rouge Parish School System teachers provide a challenging program that encourages our students to become active, compassionate, lifelong learners with a high level of intercultural understanding and respect."

A shining star in the school’s program is eighth grader Makayla Gilliam, an eight-year program participant. Also an accomplished artist in the school’s Talented Art Program, Gilliam has entered the 2011 National Magnet School Month and Poster Contest with the theme "Building Bright Futures …The Magnet Way!"

For more information, contact Brock at (225) 924-1308 or at sbrock@ebrschools.org or go on-line for a Spanish-version-only of the press release at http://www.educacion.es/exterior/usa/en/File/school/colegio_nota_prensa.pdf.