Ben Metz
@benmetzz
At Cumberland Valley, 5th-year Honors Spanish pushes students to their limits while rewarding them with fluency and confidence.
For students at CVHS, the 5th-year Honors Spanish class is the capstone of the language program, and it’s no easy ride. Entirely taught in Spanish, the course requires students to leave behind English for a part of their day as they dive into advanced literature, culture, and real-world conversation.
The workload can feel overwhelming at times, with essays, in-depth discussions, and constant speaking practice that stretch students beyond their comfort zones. But for many, the challenge is exactly what makes the class so rewarding. By the end of the year, students often find themselves speaking with a confidence they never thought possible.
Senior Connor Nolan, “This class has been rewarding to me because it has helped me understand the different cultures of Spanish-speaking countries, as well as learning how to speak the language itself,” Nolan said.
Beyond grammar drills and vocabulary lists, the class immerses students in authentic Spanish texts, films, and cultural topics. That real-world application helps prepare them for college-level language courses, and for some, even study abroad opportunities.
“I think this entire experience will be very beneficial to me in the future because if I ever have to communicate with someone in Spanish, I will be able to hold a conversation,” Nolan said.