Fluency in Spanish pays off for one high school student.

Heather Tucker, a ninth grade Spanish II student at Starr’s Mill High, has been awarded the Lazera Herrera Spanish Immersion Camp Award for 2009 by the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese (AATSP).

Heather attended the weekend-long Immersion Camp in March where she was required to speak only in Spanish for the entire duration of the camp. While there, she participated in various language workshops and speaking competitions, as well as social events including sports, arts and crafts and dancing. Only 100 high school students statewide who are enrolled in Level II Spanish or higher are admitted. The camp was held March 27-29, 2009.

As the winner of the Immersion Camp Award, Heather received an $85 scholarship to reimburse her for the full cost of the camp.