Nash County Public Schools’ Dual Language Immersion Students Tackle Global Issues at Diplomatic Conference
NASHVILLE, N.C. (Mar. 10) – Seventh-grade students from Rocky Mount Middle School and Southern Nash Middle School are Nash County Public Schools’ (NCPS) first cohort of dual language immersion learners. On Thursday, March 6, they took on the role of international diplomats at Conexiones para la Acción Diplomática at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
The event, hosted by Participate Learning, brought together bilingual students from across the state to collaborate on real-world global challenges, sharpen leadership skills and engage in cross-cultural diplomacy.
Students from NCPS represented Vietnam, conducting in-depth research on the country’s culture, economy and natural resources. Their primary focus was the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on Vietnam, analyzing both its challenges and opportunities. As part of their preparation, students developed policy proposals addressing AI regulation, investment and responsible implementation.
“My experience at the university was good. They had statues and good food. Listening to all the schools was an eye-opening experience. Seeing all the ways artificial intelligence could affect countries was shocking,” said Finley Waller, a seventh-grade student at Southern Nash Middle School.
“The CAD debate was a fantastic experience! I had the opportunity to meet students from other schools and hear a wide range of perspectives on artificial intelligence," said Mary K. Girouard, a seventh-grade student at Rocky Mount Middle School. "Everyone was welcoming, and I would love to participate again next year."
During the event, two students from NCPS were selected to present a formal speech before more than 20 participating schools. Students also participated in a structured debate, presenting their positions on AI policy, followed by informal discussions with other delegations. The event challenged students to think like global leaders, advocating for meaningful change while honing their Spanish and English communication skills.
“This is an exciting opportunity for our first cohort of dual language immersion students,” said Yolanda Wiggins, director of professional learning and special programs. “It provides students with the opportunity to apply many of the skills and concepts they have learned over the last seven and a half years in the dual language immersion program while meeting other bilingual students from across the state. Their teachers have worked diligently to prepare them.”
Nash County Public Schools offers dual language immersion programs at Middlesex Elementary and Winstead Avenue Elementary, with students continuing their immersion education at Rocky Mount Middle or Southern Nash Middle. The program prepares students to become bilingual and biliterate, equipping them with critical thinking, problem-solving and leadership skills to succeed in an increasingly interconnected world.
NCPS remains committed to promoting bilingualism, cultural proficiency and global readiness through innovative programs like dual language immersion.
For more information about NCPS’ dual language immersion program, visit https://www.ncpschools.net/page/dual-language.
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Media Contact:
Heather Louise Finch, Executive Director of Communication/Public Information Officer