(translation: CCPS senior honored as best Latin student in Virginia)
Midlothian High senior Sabrina Gernhardt is Virginia’s top Latin student. The Classical Association of Virginia awarded her the Jim Bigger Memorial Scholarship, which is presented annually to the most accomplished student of Latin in the state.
Additionally, Sabrina was selected to be a summer intern with Dickinson College to help write online commentary for “The Aeneid.”
Amy Petersen, Midlothian High Latin teacher and Latin Club sponsor, taught Sabrina for four years and wrote this about her:
She stood out as a quick and eager learner from the start. … Sabrina relishes learning in many domains, with Latin and classics as a top interest. Sabrina excels with language and has a passion for learning about ancient culture. … Her command of the language is impressive. This is in part due to her insatiable appetite for classics, whether it be reading Latin, effortlessly scanning an entire page of text as others labor to complete a line or devouring books on classical culture.
Sabrina has studied Latin since sixth grade at Robious Middle School, where her teacher was Maddy Wyatt. In her scholarship application, Sabrina wrote:
Over my years of studying Latin, I have learned how to truly understand a subject, by valuing analysis over rote memorization and connecting material to various aspects of my life. Through these lessons, I have also learned how to better connect with my peers. Overall, I see Latin not just as a language but an opportunity for understanding.
After high school graduation, Sabrina plans to attend the University of Virginia to study music and astrophysics — and continue her study of Latin.