This summer, as part of the education program, members of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Live Oak County - George West Unit were introduced to basic Spanish and sign language. Each week they learned words and phrases with the goal of being able to talk about themselves.

At the end of the programs competitions were held with the contestants telling their names and ages then adding information about family and/or pets.

Several members spoke up about the experience.

“I liked it. I learned a lot,” said Brianna Hons.

Cloey Hons put the fun aspect first. “It was fun and I liked it. I want to learn more.”

“I felt really good about it. I want to learn more, too,” said Daniel Cuevas.

Crystal Amoles expressed the concern she had at first. “I didn’t think I would really learn it, but I did.”

More than 70 members participated in the programs during the summer with 15 finalists selected to compete for top honors. They were judged by members of the community with a knowledge of each language.

In Spanish, judge Mackey Alvarez awarded prizes in the following categories:

Cubs - Jose Campos, first place; Brianna Hons, second; Christian Garza, place; Angel Chavarria and C’Kyra Shropshire, finalists.

Tigers - Daniel Cuevas, first; Jordan Gonzalez, second; Jo-Leeza Morin, third; Cloey Hons and Nickolas Ortiz, finalists.

Lions - Trae Proctor, first; Tiffany Cortinas, second; Jon Lopez, third; Summer Morin and Lamar Perttula, finalists.

In sign language, judge Julie Edlin selected recipients in the following categories:

Cubs - Brianna Hons, first; Kailee Kelley, second; Stephanie Guajardo, third; Christian Garza and Kaiden Kelley, finalists.

Tiger and Lion Girls - Ashlyn Dobson, first place; Cloey Hons, second; Jordan Gonzalez, third; Crystal Amoles and Emily Martinez, finalists.

Tiger and Lion Boys - David Zuniga, first place; Daniel Cuevas, second; Devin Smith, third; Jared Zuniga and Nickolas Ortiz, finalists.