Newtown High School hosted its annual World Language Honor Society Inductions ceremony in the school's cafetorium on Tuesday, May 17.

NHS World Language Department Chair Liz Ward-Toller welcomed all in attendance and said language helps people learn how to connect and empathize with others.

"These students understand the value of language goes beyond what they learn in the classroom," said Ms Ward-Toller.

The students, Ms Ward-Toller continued, see a world rich in history and language.

The event began with fourth graders from Head O' Meadow Elementary School performing an Argentinean song titled "¿Quen es Ese Pajarito?" or "Who is This Little Bird?" under the direction for Head O' Meadow music teacher Cynthia Holberg.

Newtown High School Assistant Principal Jaime Rivera also spoke during the ceremony, highlighting ways language has helped him. Speaking about his experience as a member of the US Navy for 12 years, Mr Rivera said when traveling to other countries, understanding the local language builds mutual respect. Learning  to communicate, he said, shows that the traveler cares about the culture they are visiting.

After students were inducted into the society, a reception was held.

Students inducted into the National Chinese Honor Society were Lexi Barra, Alyssa Birrittella, Justin Cicarelli, Ben Dieckman, Jane Ricketts, Andrew Stubbs, Ashling Sugarman and Erin Tressler. Patty Ding is the society's presiding officer.

Students inducted into the Société Française were Julia Bogdanoff, Simran Chand, Monique Dubois, Alexa Horckachuck, Tucker Kistner, Jordan Klein, Molly McCoy, Kelsey O'Connor, Willow Pears, Riley Smith, Keira Veillette and Nevin Zink. The society's presiding officers are Lydia Field, Nathalie Zimmerman and Julia Reczek.

Students inducted into the Società Onoraria Italica were Sophia Albano, Adam Manes, Ashleigh Shaw, and Matthew Tassiello. The society's presiding officer is Kayla DiSibio.

Students inducted into the Societas Latina were Elliott Bennett, Julia DiMartino, Rian Frate and Dawson Stout. The society's presiding officers are Caelan Ritter and Charlotte Stenz.

Students inducted into the Sociedad Honoraria Hispénica were Connor Barrett, Elizabeth Cain, Joseph Conrad, Tom Cotton, Kaitlyn Crumb, Jessica Delp, Marina De Thomas, Aysha Hafiz, Lucy Helgen, Ethan Hoffman, Laura Hornby, Lindsay Hoyt, Kaitlyn Hull, Catherine Ingersoll, Emma Johnson, Matthew Kugler, Nickolas Lansing, Grace Larsen, Grant Larson, Jackson Lavelle, Dylan Lew, Michael Macchiarulo, Allessandra Manfredi, Connery Mayer, Steven Moccio, Samantha Olah, Taylor Pare, Natalie Shaker, Dylan Solano, Bridgit Spies, Thomas Stanczyk, Julia Sughrue and Cameron Vazquez. The society's presiding officers are Matthew Ingwersen and Andrew Pirner.