The London Rotary Club is proud to recognize Tate Wilson, an exceptional senior at London High School, as the February Student of the Month. Tate exemplifies academic excellence, strong leadership, and outstanding character, qualities that make him a standout choice for this prestigious honor.
A dedicated and high-achieving student, Tate boasts an impressive 4.541 GPA and ranks 3rd in his class. His passion for learning, especially in languages and culture, sets him apart. He has been a consistent presence on the merit honor roll and is active in the National Honor Society and the Diversity Club.
Tate has been an active member of London High School. In addition to his presence on the Merit Honor Roll, Tate has been an active participant in the school’s musicals and plays since seventh grade. He has been on the school’s tennis team since his junior year. He has been on the quick recall team since his freshman year. He is a member of the National Honor Society (NHS). He has been a member of the Diversity Club since his freshman year, and is now the president. He was in the marching band for two years. Tate was a founding participant of College Credit Plus Spanish at London. He took the AP Spanish and Culture assessment and earned a 5, qualifying him for the Seal of Biliteracy.
When asked to reflect on an educator who has significantly influenced him, Tate named London Spanish Teacher, Mrs. Isabel Navarrete. Tate shared:
“When I think of an LHS staff member who inspires me, I think of Isabel Navarrete. I’ve been taking classes with her since she first started teaching in London. Over the years, she has told me many emotionally moving anecdotes from her life. For example, how she had to learn English when she first moved to the USA, memorizing translations she scribbled in pen on her hands. Many stories of how she faced racism while teaching Spanish in the South or stories about going to school in Mexico City, making chistes with her friends, and getting into trouble. There are so many stories that I have heard and loved over my three years with Ms. Navarrete, which are far too many to share here. Ms. Navarrete is an exuberant, strong, and determined woman. She has treated me and the rest of her students and me like family since she began working here. Whatever success I find in life, I will always attribute it to her. It has been an honor to be her pupil, and I will always be grateful.
Gracias por todo lo que has hecho por mí. Siempre te consideraré familia.
Sinceramente,
Tate Wilson”
Mrs. Navarrete, in turn, offered glowing praise for Tate:
“Tate’s performance across our program has been exceptional and consistent. His genuine enthusiasm and love for the Spanish language, and the diverse peoples and cultures it represents is evident in his class contributions, choice of educational pathway, and the desire to add other languages to his other skills. That enthusiasm has also led him to expand his linguistic repertoire: he is currently taking Italian and is performing admirably in that course. He had achieved true bilingual proficiency in Spanish. His performance on the AP Spanish examination affirmed this attainment: he earned a score of 5, demonstrating advanced command of the language in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Tate Wilson has also been a reliable and effective tutor for students in Spanish 1, 2, and 3, both in other classes and within my own classroom. In my experience as an educator, Tate Wilson ranks among the most capable and motivated students I have taught in modern languages. He combines intellectual seriousness with an open, respectful outlook and a capacity for collaboration.”
After graduation, Tate intends to attend a four-year university to study Spanish. He is the son of Melinda and Steven Wilson of London.