Portland High School Latin students distinguished themselves in another successful year of national testing, according to PHS world language teacher Peter Bermani. This year, students of all levels participated in and received honors on the Maine Seal of Biliteracy Exam, National Latin Exam, Medusa Mythology Exam and National Classical Etymology Exam. In total, 43 PHS Latin students received national or state recognition for their accomplishments in the following areas:
Maine Seal of Biliteracy: Josh Gribbin, Caden Hemond, Max Kierstead, Ainsley McCrum, Ben Prestes, Nathan Blades, Kaitlin Harmon, Kyla Derrig, Meghan Crocker, Ash Saenz, Cooper Owens
National Latin Exam: Amelia Demoree, Adau Mawein, Sydney Dysinger, Charlie Ellis, Daniel Gallagher, Phoenix Wing, Maxwell Tarkinson, Logan Chadwick
Medusa Mythology Exam: Daniel Mesele, Ella Vinkemulder, Caden Hemond, Kieran Sullivan, Kyla Derrig, Libby Kane, Benjamin Prestes, Hunter Temple, Gabriel Winch, Ash Saenz, Cooper Owens, Kaitlin Harmon, Hannah Hawkes, Caitlin Rohde, Meghan Crocker, Louis Thurston, Ainsley McCrum, Maeleigh Raffety, Emelia Lehr, Ava Galli, Joshua Gribbin, Reegan Buck
National Classical Etymology Exam: Ella Vinkemulder
Bermani also provided the following details:
The Seal of Biliteracy Test is open to all Latin 3 and 4 students. It is the first step to earning the Maine State Seal of Biliteracy. Students who earn the Seal receive 8 language credits through the University of Maine System. This year, 8 Seniors graduated with the Seal of Biliteracy in Latin and another 3 Juniors passed the Seal of Biliteracy test on the first try. By the end of the year, nearly 40% of Latin Poetry students fulfilled all major requirements to receive the Seal.
The National Latin Exam tests Latin 1 and 2 students’ knowledge of Latin grammar, reading comprehension, derivation, and mythology knowledge. Over 80% of students who took the test received national recognition.
The Medusa Mythology Exam tests students’ knowledge on a variety of in depth Greco-Roman myths. This year’s theme was “What Happens in Tartarus.” Again, over 80% of all participants exceeded the national average.
Finally, one student received national recognition on the National Classical Etymology Exam, which tests students on their knowledge of Greek and Latin root words.