May 2023

Jesse Angrist, a sophomore at Niskayuna High School, has been awarded an all-expense-paid summer trip to Germany.

Jesse was selected as a national winner after scoring in the 94th percentile on the Level 2 2022 National German Exam for High School Students sponsored by the American Association of Teachers of German. Over 11,900 students participated in the program. After qualifying with a high score on the National German Exam, he submitted responses to several short essay questions in German and in English and was then interviewed by a committee comprised of high school teachers and college professors of German.

“I want to go to university in Germany, so I’m really glad I manifested this opportunity,” Jesse said. “It is my first time traveling internationally and it’ll be my first time in that country.”

Jesse is a student of Tracy Prebish, a German teacher at Niskayuna High School.

“This is his first year studying German and his achievement is beyond impressive,” Prebish said. “He began the year already with the intention of getting his postsecondary education at a German university. This is a great first step for him, and I’m very proud.”

“I want to go to university in Germany, so I’m really glad I manifested this opportunity,” Jesse said. “It is my first time traveling internationally and it’ll be my first time in that country.”

🇩🇪Are you thinking about learning German at Niskayuna high school? Some of the best reasons to learn German come right from our students. Here is what some of our German students had to say!

“Taking German in high school is a really different experience from middle school language classes, or larger high school languages - the classes are smaller and the environment is more informal, so it’s easier to feel confident about participating in class. We learn about German culture and current events as well as vocab and grammar- for example, before the German elections this year, my class learned about German politics. We also get a taste of all the different regional accents and dialects German speakers have.

I always feel like I’ve learned a lot after each year and am able to speak more fluently, even after a year of virtual Covid."

—Elise

“I always thought that German was intimidating, the super long complicated words, the strange letters (that I have come to love), and the cases. I truly fell in love with the language. So much so that I went to a German-language camp in Germany for three weeks, which further solidified my love for it. Which is what one of my majors will be in college. I think learning German really opens a lot of doors; careerwise and academically. The German classes and club meetings are also one of the best parts of my day, we always have a laugh, have snacks, and just have a good time overall.”  

—Lara

“I joined German in 9th grade because of my sister and all of the great experiences she had. In German you get to learn about German culture and participate in many of the holidays they celebrate in Germany. German is a relaxed class, you get to do a lot of partner work or work as a whole class and you get to bond over taking German. It is also a very useful language as Germany is a very big economic power in Europe. I plan to use my knowledge of German to expand my resume and so I can travel and be able to speak the language there.”

—Kelsey

“I've always been interested in the German language and culture. I am so glad that I made the decision to choose German 1/2 in 9th grade. In German class we not only learn the German language but we learn through exploring all things German including their political system, music, films, foods, scientists, artists, & writers, and much more. I've enjoyed learning German in a welcoming environment. My German classes have become like family to me. I sincerely encourage you to give German a try!”

—Anders

“You should join German class! It’s an opportunity to learn a new language and learn about German culture. Keep in mind that there are six countries that speak German as their first language and since I love traveling and I get the opportunity to travel often with my family, knowing German is a plus! German class is a fun environment and you make new friends. Knowing more than one language has many benefits like the improvement of your memory and critical thinking skills so join German!”

—Veronica

“German is one of my favorite classes!

I'm interested in world relations and German definitely will help with that. Also, public universities in German are tuition-free which is something to consider.

The language itself is fantastic and the teacher's awesome. It's so much fun to speak German, it just feels good in your mouth. German follows a pattern - you say every letter so even if you're not familiar with a word, you can pronounce it.

I hope you choose to take German, you won't regret it!”

—Megan

“German is one of the best languages to learn here at Niskayuna High School. It has grammar and vocabulary that are similar to English so it’s not too difficult to learn and you will be able to understand it better. The language is enjoyable to learn and German class is very engaging. We do all sorts of fun activities and projects and have fun learning German with each other. It’s definitely a class you should take.”

—Dillan

“Hello future highschoolers! I would personally recommend that you take German next year. Frau P. is one of the nicest people that I have ever met. The class as a whole is truly a stress-free environment and we even have a tea table in the back of the room and sometimes German candy. We get to do group projects and select German nicknames for class. I hope you consider taking German next year!

—Bilal

“I chose German as my language because it sounds cooler than the others. German Club is a lot of fun. Frau Prebish is a great teacher who mixes work with fun. I plan to continue with German throughout high school, and I’ve put some thought into majoring in it in college. I’m glad to be in German class because the people are really nice, and there’s a lot of effort put into the club so you should definitely try it out.”

—Lincoln

“If you are thinking of taking German in highschool I would 100% recommend it. Did you know that German and English are cousin languages? This means that there are many similarities between German and English which makes German way easier to learn than other languages. We aren’t even half way through the year and my class has learned so much vocabulary that we can speak it very well to each other. Both German class and German Club do so many fun things throughout the year…Everyone in my German class is so nice and I can honestly say it is like a beautiful family. I look forward to German class everyday…If you join German you will have an incredible and unforgettable time!” 

—Allison

“I always look forward to coming to German class each day.  Each class feels like a break in my busy school day.  It’s laid back, but also a very active class when it comes to speaking the language. This combination has helped me excel in and learn to love learning all things German!”

_Landon

“Guten Tag! Welcome to the High School upcoming 9th Graders, German is the best language program in Niskayuna HS! In German class we get to learn the beautiful German culture while playing class games and if that’s not enough for you, in class lots of times the winners get German candies. The class is a perfect fit for anyone who loves language classes or just likes to be in fun classes with a great teacher! Here’s a few things you probably didn’t know are German that you get to learn about: Mercedes, BMW, Audi, VW, Porsche, gummy bears, sausages, Beethoven, and many more! Hope you will be joining us in German!” 

—Nathan

“The German language is complex and polysyllabic, evocative, and fairly onomatopoetic — “Kikeriki!” German class has helped me broaden my horizons, most especially in the realms of literature and music, and helped me unearth appreciation for the Germanic roots of our now contemporary language, English. While there are many advantages to learning German, I’m glad to be in German class because not only is learning the language gratifying, it the class has helped me expand my linguistic consciousness and receptiveness.”

—Sarah

“My favorite things about German: very community vibes, fantastic teachers - this program made me want to move to Germany and become a teacher.”

—Julia

“German class is very fun and it also has a good and fun teacher.”

—Soren

“Besides being a super interesting class, German has actually facilitated my learning in other school language courses by allowing me to think more in depth as to why or how another language is structured a certain way.”

—Irina