In the 2023-24 school year, Meghan Gavin '24 became the first student in Newton Country Day history to take the National Spanish Exam to the highest level (level 6). She has been recognized in every National Spanish Exam thus far, earning several awards including Gold, Silver, and Honors. During her time at Newton Country Day, Gavin has used her Spanish skills as a volunteer at the Immigrant Learning Center in Malden and in her senior project at Jackson Walnut Park School, where she worked with bilingual students.
When reflecting on this accomplishment, Gavin shared that her experience studying under the guidance of Spanish teacher Karen Naylor-Riobueno P ‘13 inspired her to continue improving her foreign language skills. “I can’t thank her enough for helping me during my Spanish learning journey,” Gavin said. “During my senior year, she mentored me in a Spanish independent study class. The two of us met twice a week to practice having conversations in Spanish. I have grown so much in confidence from having the opportunity to practice with her.”
Naylor-Riobueno shared that she saw Gavin’s interest and passion for Spanish language and culture grow exponentially through her Grade 11 and 12 years. “Meghan's confidence and skills improved weekly, in her understanding and interpretation of written and spoken language on a variety of topics in Spanish, and in her keen awareness of diverse perspectives that are available through the Spanish language and its cultures.”