The first students in Fayette to pass the Deutsches Sprachdiplom were awarded certificates at a special ceremony at Whitewater High in the presence of family and school system administrators.
The Deutsches Sprachdiplom (DSD), or German Language Diploma, is an examination offered to students outside Germany, and administered by the German Central Agency for Schools Abroad. It serves as proof of German language proficiency, enabling students to meet the language requirements for studies at a university in Germany.
Seven students from Whitewater High were the first in Fayette and in Georgia to take and pass the DSD exam, which was offered for the first time this year to high school German programs throughout the state. Previously, only students in German programs approved by the German Central Agency for Schools Abroad were eligible to take the exam.
Students receiving certificates were Caleb Enterkin, Caprice Carrington, William Harp, and John Isbell. Parents of 2016 Whitewater High graduates Alison Rudzinski, Elizabeth Kimbell, and James Neuner were present to accept the certificates on behalf of their children. Michael Gottert, German language advisor for the southeastern United States, and Dr. Sabine H. Smith, professor of German at Kennesaw State University, presented the certificates.
Whitewater High German language teacher Patrick Wallace was presented with a certificate for his efforts in promoting and encouraging his students to take the exam. The school was also awarded a trophy to commemorate its first certificate ceremony, and for having the largest number of students, a total of 16, to take the exam under the new statewide arrangement.
In the photo, German teacher Patrick Wallace (second from left) and Whitewater High Principal Roy Rabold proudly display a trophy presented to the school by Michael Gottert (left), German language advisor for the southeastern United States, and Dr. Sabine H. Smith, professor of German at Kennesaw State University, commemorating the school’s first Deutsches Sprachdiplom ceremony.
