The German program will compete in San Marcos, Texas at the nation’s largest German contest, the Texas State German Fest, on March 1. Approximately 30 students from first-year German teacher Hannah Henry’s class will compete among 1,000 other students from 60 schools across the Lone Star State. Henry’s students had to qualify for the Texas-wide event through Houstonfest, a Houston regional competition on Feb. 8.
Henry took German when she was a student at Bellaire from 2012-2016 and came back to teach for the unique Texas-German culture. Though Henry is a new teacher, her students have been competing for years. Senior Andrei Perepelitsa has been to three previous contests and has been responsible for training younger competitors under his charge.
“The main thing I’d like to say is that we really can’t take for granted that an opportunity like that exists for German,” Perepelitsa said. “Having a community so great that hundreds of kids across the state are willing to get together in friendly competition really is special. No matter your skill level, everyone is welcome.”
Texas German State Fest offers over 40 events, from trivia (Pass Auf!) to handicrafts to not one, but two gingerbread house contests. Competitors qualify by placing in the top five in their respective categories at regional competitions in Dallas, San Antonio and Houston.
“I’d just say that I’m looking forward to putting my best foot forward this year,” senior Faraz Iqbal said. “I’m hoping I can at least serve well as a substitute for pass auf. As for [the] skit, I’ve always wanted to be part of a proper production, and I’m finally getting to this year.”
Attendance has increased at TSGC by almost 30% under Henry, who prioritized the contest with preparations starting in October.
“I’m way more confident this year going in because more people signed up, leaving individuals with less events,” senior Winston Montgomery said. “I can stay calm and focus on the whole competition.”
Whether or not students win, Iqbal sees the competition as an opportunity to embrace the German community of Texas – as well as the one at Bellaire.
“Since getting a lot closer with a lot more people over the last semester, I feel so much more at home among all of the German students than ever,” Iqbal said. “I can’t wait to experience the passionate and raw competition of TSGC with all of my friends.”
Texas State German Contest will run from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, March 1. at Texas State University in San Marcos.
