This weekend, the annual for­eign language festival welcomed high school students from around the region.

The festival allowed for a chance to familiarize themselves with the diverse foreign language depart­ment on campus.

“The purpose of the event,” said Dustin Johnson, a Spanish senior from Winnfield, “is to introduce students to the foreign language program, and to allow the high school students to interact with college students and professors.”

Visiting students were guided through several panels hosted by ULM professors, and were encour­aged to contribute to the poster contest.

“Last year, people had food and costumes; they got really involved. I think the students had a lot of fun,” said Karen Woolie, a senior English major from West Monroe.

At the end of the day, students participated in a jeopardy contest based on information from the panels and the contest.

The festival was also enter­taining and ben­eficial to ULM students.

“It highlight­ed undergrad students and fac­ulty and got peo­ple who wouldn’t normally get a chance to get involved, to get in­volved,” said Woolie.

Some would be surprised to know that the activities are more diverse than just Spanish and French history; other departments get in on the action as well.