Evansville Day School is proud to share that senior Leila Grossman has been selected as a recipient of the 2016 Indiana Outstanding High School Student of Spanish Award by the Indiana Chapter of the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese. Leila’s passion for Spanish led her to study abroad last summer with the Indiana University Honors Program in Foreign Language (IUHPFL), where she expanded her global perspective and deepened her love of the language by being immersed in Spanish culture.

According to Leila’s IUHPFL summer teacher, Israel Herrera, who nominated her for the award, “Leila really deserves this renowned state award. Her dedication and passion for Spanish were evident in the dossier she presented for the award.”

Grossman says, “Spanish has always been one of my passions, from when I first learned colors in elementary school, to being fully immersed through the IUHPFL in Spain this past summer. To be recognized for this award is such an honor, and I could not have achieved this without the support from my parents and Spanish teachers."

Leila was given the opportunity to nominate a teacher who inspired and motivated her to study the language in high school. She nominated her Upper School Spanish teacher Linda Huber, who will receive the 2016 EXTIMO (Exceptional Teaching Impact and Motivation) Student Voice Award for Outstanding Spanish teacher in the AATSP Indiana Award Ceremony as well. The Award Ceremony will take place on Saturday, November 5 at 10:00 am at the Sheraton Hotel Indianapolis.

When asked about the award, Huber reflects, “It is such an honor to work at a school that cares how students learn and the focus of everything we do is to prepare our students to become balanced, resilient, globally-minded learners who dare to face challenges and are the passionate and creative leaders of tomorrow. Leila Grossman is one example of many talented and successful students who attend Evansville Day School. I am tremendously proud of Leila’s achievement and eagerly anticipate that she will continue to expand and utilize her knowledge to impact our world.”