Alabama Catholic school chosen for Chinese language, cultural program

Published: 2007-07-24

SPANISH FORT, Ala. (CNS) -- St. Benedict Catholic School in Elberta has been selected to host a native Chinese teacher for the 2007-08 academic year as part of a new effort to bring the Mandarin language and Chinese culture to young Americans, according to school principal Kendall McKee. The teacher, Wang Zhenghai, is expected to arrive Aug. 12. "We are excited about the coming school year with all its new possibilities, and honored to be chosen as the first Catholic elementary school in the nation and the only school in Alabama to be selected by the College Board for this innovative exchange," said McKee, at a July 12 press conference in Spanish Fort. St. Benedict faculty and school board members and Benedictine Father Howard Moussier, pastor at St. Bartholomew Church in Elberta and chaplain of the school, joined McKee and Alabama Gov. Bob Riley for the announcement. In a short statement, the governor underscored the importance of the program as a significant aid to expanding relationships with China.

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