On Feb. 25, BPHS students showcased their exceptional talent and dedication to the German language at the annual American Association of Teachers of German (AATG) Three Rivers German Day Competition held at Washington & Jefferson College.

Competing against students from 13 other schools across Western Pennsylvania, BPHS emerged victorious, proudly bringing home three first-place awards and one second-place award, a testament to their hard work and passion for German culture.

The highlight of the competition for BPHS came during the Culture Bowl, with the duo of Colin Finnegan and Christian Tabler.

Both juniors enrolled in Honors German IV, for the second consecutive year, outperformed teams from nine other local schools to claim the coveted first-place honor in this challenging category.

Their victory not only reflects their mastery of the culture but also their commitment to excellence in the German language.

In addition to the Culture Bowl success, BPHS students excelled in various other categories.

Sophomore Adele Stamenov, representing Honors German III, captivated the judges with her creative prowess, winning first prize in the Poetry Writing competition with her original poem written in German.

This achievement highlights the talent and creativity blooming among young German students at BPHS.

The creativity of BPHS students also shone through in the Folkloric Arts and Crafts competition, where senior Thaddeaus Smith, also enrolled in Honors German III, dazzled the judges with his impressive laser-etched wooden puzzle map of Germany.

His innovative piece not only showcased artistic skill but also reflected a deep appreciation for German geography and tradition, earning him a well-deserved first place.

Senior Alexandra Thunborg, who is recognized for her academic prowess in AP German V, secured a commendable second place for her insightful essay in the Non-Fiction Writing category.

Her achievement adds to the academic accolades that the BPHS German department is known for, showcasing the depth of talent and the high levels of scholarship present in the program.

This year’s competition also included other committed members of the BPHS German team, who brought unique skills and energy to the event and will be listed below:

• Brady McKiernan (AP German V)
• Eliz Sterbal – Freshman (Honors German II)
• Frederick Mach – Senior (AP German V)
• Gillian Uhl – Sophmore (Honors German III)
• John Busalacchi – Junior (Honors German IV)
• Jude Nelis – Sophmore (Honors German III)
• Michael Taylor – Senior (AP German V)
• Sydney Felicetti – Senior (AP German V)
• Tessa Braham – Freshman (Honors German II)
• Victoria Carberry – Sophmore (Honors German III)
• Zoey Roberts – Sophmore (Honors German III)

The impressive achievements of Bethel Park High School’s German students at the 2025 AATG Three Rivers German Day Competition not only reflect their talents and dedication but also underscore the effectiveness of their German language program.

As these young scholars continue to explore the rich culture and language of Germany, it is clear that the future is bright for BPHS.

With such dedication and success, they are sure to inspire future generations to take pride in their linguistic and cultural pursuits.