James Clemens claims ‘Top School’ at German Day 2020

MADISON – At German Day 2020, students in German classes from James Clemens High School ousted their competitors to win numerous honors, including the prestigious title of “Top School” in Alabama.

In its 25th year, German Day was held at the University of Alabama’s Ferguson Center on March 6. “The schedule was again packed tight with competitions, as well as non-competitive events,” Peggy Boynton said. Boynton teaches German and Latin and is Content Lead for the World Language Department.

German Day allows students to prove proficiency with their acquired knowledge of the German language and culture. “When students are offered a chance to test their skills outside the classroom, they have a sense of accomplishment, often deeper and more meaningful than what just normally occurs inside the classroom,” Boynton said previously.

James Clemens set a new ‘in-house’ record for the school with 36 awards. Faythe Calnon received awards at “Top Heritage Student” and “Most Original Art.”

First-place winners from James Clemens included Riley Hartman, Ryan Hausermann, Faythe Calnon, Alyssa Allenswor, Kaitie Wayne, Bailey Moore, Abigaile Garrigan, Avery Doerk, Dhayne Forde, the entire German 4 and 5 team for “Group Song,” Isaac Lamm, Max Steiner, Falken Sadler, Madeline Schlaman and Aiyana Milligan.

Students with second-place honors were Tyler Tankesley, Abigaile Garrigan, Riley Hartman, Nicole Conaway, Alex Underwood, Zach Hinklemann, Anna Kurucz, the entire German 2 team for “Group Song,” Chloe Williams, Madeline Schlaman and Camille Crosby.

Third-place awards went to Kaitie Wayne, Bailey Moore, Tyler Tankesley, Riley Hartman, Alyssa Allensworth, Faythe Calnon, Mallory Walker, Alex Underwood, Isaac Lamm, Olivia Abney, Max Steiner, Samuel Sepulveda, Anthony Kosinski, Carly Parker, Katie England, Trey Cashon, Max Steiner and Graysen Furber.

The types of spoken or oral events included Dual “Show and Tell” Dialog presentations, individual and group poetry, individual and group song presentation, skits, spelling bee, extemporaneous reading and PowerPoint projects. Students competed in written events for dictation, reading comprehension and geography.

In the category for visual projects, videos in competition must have a script that the student has memorized and will be spoken in German. Poster collage and original art are other options. Students also can compete in T-shirt design, children’s books and scrapbook.

“Lots of work went into all of this by all. These kids went all in and it paid off,” Boynton said.