Arts and crafts, puppet show, gingerbread house contest among highlights of statewide German contest for high schoolers at The University of Texas at Austin

The Department of Germanic Studies is hosting the 28th annual Texas State German Contest, treating more than 1,000 Texas high school students to a day of fun and learning on Saturday, Feb. 27, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at various locations on campus.

Featuring more than 50 events ranging from spelling and poetry readings to handicrafts, tests and musical performance, the Texas State German Contest brings together the best German language competitors from about 60 high schools throughout the state.

About 80 high school teachers and more than130 student and faculty volunteers from the Department of Germanic Studies and other colleges on campus will participate in the all-day competition.

 "The contest is a way for UT to give back to the Texas community,” said Kit Belgum, associate professor of Germanic Studies and Texas State German Contest outreach coordinator. “It’s a great opportunity for high school teachers to challenge and inspire students in the study of language and go beyond the standard curriculum.”

This year's lineup of events includes:

• Various arts and crafts activities including costume and T-shirt design, photo essays and a gingerbread house contest at 9 a.m. in Parlin Hall, Jester Center and Mezes Hall.
• Scavenger hunt, 1 to 2 p.m. begins in Parlin Hall. 
• Pass Auf (“pay attention!”), a German version of Jeopardy, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Jester Center. 

• Drama events including skits, a puppet show and duet acting, 8:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. in Jester Center.

• Musical performances, including vocal solos, classical music ensembles, polka bands and folk dancing, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in Jester Center, Parlin Hall and Mezes Hall.

• Written testing events, including culture, grammar and spelling tests, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Parlin Hall. 

A full schedule of events can be found online. Admission is free and open to the public.

Since 2006 the Department of Germanic Studies has hosted the Texas State German Contest, attracting top language students to the university. To qualify, students had to place in the top five in their respective events at regional competitions held in San Antonio, Dallas, and Houston in early February.

The event is sponsored by the Texas State German Contest and organized by Mary El-Beheri, retired teacher of the Douglas Mac Arthur High School, North East Independent School District in San Antonio, Texas.