Rochester, MN — Rochester Public Schools (RPS) is proud to announce the exceptional performance of its Spanish language students at Mayo High School on the 2026 National Spanish Exam (NSE). Demonstrating academic excellence on a national stage, Mayo students secured 61 medals and 88 honorable mentions, marking a significant milestone for the school's world language department.
In a rigorous competition that saw participation from over 83,000 students across the United States, Mayo High School students earned the following distinctions:
8 Gold Medals: Scoring in the 95th percentile or higher.
22 Silver Medals: Scoring between the 85th and 94th percentiles.
31 Bronze Medals: Scoring between the 75th and 84th percentiles.
88 Honorable Mentions: Scoring between the 50th and 74th percentiles.
“We are incredibly proud to recognize 149 Mayo High School students at the national level for their commitment to language learning," said Hailey Walters, Spanish Teacher at Mayo High School. "These accomplishments reflect their curiosity, dedication, and growing appreciation for other cultures.”
The National Spanish Exam, administered by the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese (AATSP), has been a cornerstone of linguistic assessment since 1957. It serves as the largest evaluation of its kind in the country, and achieving medal status provides students with exclusive access to various AATSP scholarship opportunities.
This year's results underscore the strength of the curriculum and the guidance provided by Mayo's dedicated teachers. RPS extends special recognition to Spanish teachers Jaime Gathje, Raelin Reuck, and Hailey Walters for their tireless efforts in preparing students for this high-level competition. We also congratulate all participants for their determination and for upholding the school’s reputation for academic distinction in global languages.
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