As the 2020 class of Mid-Prairie Golden Hawks are set to celebrate their accomplishments this weekend at graduation, one senior is ready to show the world her language abilities. Marina Beachy, daughter of Mid-Prairie Elementary Spanish Teacher Elena Beachy, will become the first Golden Hawk to graduate with the seal of tri-literacy. This seal is awarded by the Iowa Department of Education.

Marina is able to communicate in English, Spanish, and French and has been fluent in French for most of her life. Elena is originally from France, so naturally she taught her daughters French as they grew up so they could communicate with their family.

Marina, who will be part of the Direct Entrance Nursing Program at Luther College in the fall, says she would like to continue studying Spanish and other languages, “I want to continue to study Spanish and maybe other languages during college because I know it would help me with nursing and other aspects of the career. And because I’d be able to help more people and have a better understanding when communicating with others from different cultures.”

Marina and her classmates will receive their diplomas Sunday at 2:30 p.m. on the football field. Audience attendance will be limited to family members including parents, grandparents, and siblings.