Recently granted RIFLA awards:

Each year RIFLA honors students and adults in languages education who exemplify all that RIFLA stands for in Rhode Island. RIFLA was pleased to present to students and teachers who have inspired us.

The year 2023 theme is Multilingual Minds Achieve and the elementary school winner for the poster is a student at State Street School in Westerly, RI. Emmeline Phillips, teacher Dori Carpenter:

Middle School Poster Winner at Jamestown Lawn School is Ruby Galle, teacher Michaela Onosko:

RIFLA Student of the Year 2023 was awarded to Solange Daluz. Her language teachers are Carolyn Lawrence and Marlaina Corpolongo at Pilgrim High School in Warwick, RI.

Student of the year applicants are evaluated on the basis of their academic performance and interest in world language study as evidenced by their transcript, letters of recommendation, and their personal statement. The applicant must be a high school senior who is currently enrolled in the third year level or higher in his or her chosen language. The applicant must have a 3.25 overall GPA or higher as noted on the transcript.

This year’s winner impressed the nominations committee with her personal strength, academic achievement and high level of skills in French and Italian and desire to learn other languages as well as her commitment to sharing her love of languages and cultures with her school community. In addition, her life experiences are inspiring and to be commended. We were especially moved by her ability to ensure that all voices are heard by breaking down barriers with language and cultural empathy and we know she will continue to do great things in support of multilingualism and multiculturalism.

Each year RIFLA recognizes a full time novice language teacher with three years or less experience in a Rhode Island school.This year’s recipient for the RIFLA novice teacher award is Ms. Rebecca Hobin:

Ms. Hobin exemplifies what it means to be living your passion. Her dedication to her students, her studies and her profession is evident through her letters of recommendation.

Her supervisors share that her positive attitude is contagious and that she is a team player who is highly creative, enthusiastic and a role model for both veteran and novice teachers. I quote “she epitomizes the ideals of a dedicated educator because of her energy, creativity, intercultural knowledge”

RIFLA Advocacy Award was given to Dr. Joann Hammadou:

As a retired professor of French at the University of Rhode Island, JoAnn's expertise in language acquisition and French language and culture is unparalleled. Her dedication to promoting the learning of foreign languages as a means of fostering global understanding is truly inspiring. Her research on second language comprehension in French has been widely published and influential in shaping the field.

She has also conducted groundbreaking studies on portfolio use in world language teacher preparation and teacher evaluation. In addition to her research, Dr. Hammadou has been an active member of various organizations related to education.  Her work has been widely recognized and celebrated in the field of foreign language education, including being the recipient of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages 2005 Paul Pimsleur National Award for Outstanding Research in Foreign Language Education.

 The RIFLA study stipend of $500 is awarded for a teacher who is planning to participate in professional development in the next calendar year. Approved professional development activities may include language courses, conferences or workshops that will enrich the member's teaching experience and align to academic and/or professional goals. 

This year’s winner is Ms. Sandra Severinkangas, a Spanish teacher at Paul Cuffee Charter School in Providence. Ms. Severinkangas will attend the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese annual convention in Salamanca, Spain. 

RIFLA offers a large number of awards to both students and teachers!

Applicants must be RIFLA members or students of RIFLA members. Click on the award name below, edit and then submit your awards application electronically by following the directions on the document.

ALL AWARD DEADLINES ARE MARCH 15th, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED BELOW.

Awards for Teachers (see also External Awards below):