MADISON – Teenagers from across the state gathered at the University of Alabama recently for the 2019 State Spanish Convention. Bob Jones High School students earned several awards in language- and culture-centered competitions.

The 2019 convention theme, “El Cono Del Sur,” translates to “The Southern Cone.” Southern Cone of South America includes Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and Chile. (bjhspatriotpages.com)

Convention delegates studied topics like grammar, vocabulary and culture of the Southern Cone to excel in the competition.

The Patriots claimed 11 trophies:

* Vocabulary — Rylen Byers and Joshua Cagle, first place.

* Sight Reading — Payton Gloschat and Evanne Terry, fourth place.

* Poetry Recitation — Claudia Vargas, second place; Adrienne Hyams, Katrina Pedrahas and Ashley Rehage, fourth place.

* Culture Bowl — Ayra Alam, Alex Almanza, James Yoo and John Yoo, second.

* Exhibit — Daniel Navarro, Jessica Swartz, Mackenzie Swartz and Kailyn Vinson, first.

* Solo Singing — Regan Harris, first.

Brenda Castaneda, who teaches Spanish at Bob Jones, said she thoroughly enjoys the convention experience because “it gives the students in our Spanish classes the opportunity to celebrate what they have learned through their accomplishments.”

Johnna Elegante, Michael Salgado and Haley Woodard also teach Spanish classes at Bob Jones.

Spanish Club members at Bob Jones participate in several activities throughout the year. Club members build a homecoming float and engage in the International Festival in December. Any student currently enrolled or who has completed a class in Spanish at Bob Jones is eligible to participate in Spanish Club. Elegante serves as Spanish Club sponsor.

Another campus organization, Spanish National Honor Society is available for students who want to learn the Spanish language at higher levels. Students must meet eligibility requirements and complete service hours and other community-oriented tasks.