Despite the German program being slowly removed from school curriculum after the funding for it was canceled, German students competed in Sprachfest earlier this month. Sprachfest is a German cultural competition for high school students at the University of Texas at San Antonio where students compete in events such as grammar and cultural tests, poster making, puppet shows, music and more.

The students overall were quite successful, many of them placing first or second place advancing to the state competition. Sophomore Michael Rutherford placed third in the Pass Aauff, a test that’s “essentially like jeopardy, just with German history.”

Another notable achievement is sophomore Sophia Rumbarger’s intricate poster that placed first.

Junior Kersten Tipping said her favorite part was the overall atmosphere of the festival.

“I liked just walking around with friends and seeing the different competitions and general German-y things going on,” Tipping said.

Overall, students had a positive impression and are glad they went.

“My friends really pushed me to go this year. My friend really really wanted me to go, and I’m glad I did because it was really fun,” Tipping said.

Michael Rutherford also said he was glad that he went.

“I had a good time last year and since I know a ton about German history I was pretty excited for this year’s festival from the beginning,” Rutherford said. “I want to see people competing in more categories to add variety because a lot of people tried out for similar things, but I’d definitely go another year if I had the opportunity.”