High School Student Earns National Latin Award

A James Caldwell High School student was recognized this week for her high score on the National Latin III exam. 

High school junior Maria Bychkov scored a 35 out of a possible 40 on the national exam and earned the Gold Summa Cum Laude award. The national average for the exam, which is a voluntary exam initiated by student request, is a 25.

“This was something I wanted and thought I could do,” added Bychov. “With [high school Latin teacher] Dr. [Christoper] Trause as a teacher and mentor, I knew I could do well.”

Trause credited Bychov's success to her commitment to the material. 

“This is not an exam for which we prepare in class,” said Trause. “Preparing for this exam was something that Maria had to do on her own time. We worked together, and she spent many hours independently preparing for this exam.”

Bychkov has been a member of the Latin Class at the high school for three years. She is also a member of the Mock Trial team, a copy editor for the school newspaper, a peer leader, and National Honor Society member.