Speaking Success: Local Volunteers Support Student Language Learning in Library
Monet Alvin
April 17, 2026
On Thursday, April 16, 2026, students from Ms. Fabianna Seri's English as Second Language class and local community volunteers participated in our first ever “Language Connection” program at Heide Trask High School.
The Language Connection program allowed students — primarily Spanish-speaking and representing countries across the Americas — the opportunity to practice conversational English with community volunteers in a safe and welcoming learning environment. Volunteers hailed from various places like the beaches of North Carolina, to the Great Lakes of Michigan, and even the Great Plains of Texas. However, no matter where they hailed from, all students and volunteers were invested in the same thing -- student success.
Ms. Seri served as the lead facilitator and began the session by sharing background information with the community volunteers about the students’ language experiences. She also shared practical communication strategies that would not only be helpful in the Language Connection program, but also serve students well beyond the classroom walls: speak slightly slower, use gestures, employ visuals,and wait/listen without immediate critique.
After meeting with volunteers, students arrived and were matched with an adult speaker. Students and volunteers discussed topics such as modes of transportation, landmarks, and special memories. From these conversations, students were not only able to practice their English speaking skills in an encouraging environment, but all stakeholders were able to make meaningful connections beyond language barriers. Despite the fact that they cheered for different teams, one community volunteer was able to connect with a student through a shared love of soccer. Another volunteer was able to connect to a student who plans to study Astronomy and Biology at a 4 year university by sharing the fact that her son currently works at NASA. It's connections like these that truly foster a positive and safe learning experience for all students.
Given that full conversational and academic language proficiency can take 7–10 years, community-driven programs like this are vital to student success. Thanks to everyone who helped make this meaningful event a huge success, and we look forward to the next one!
