Laura Zinke

Saludos, Saudações, friends and colleagues. As our school year comes to a close I hope that you have an opportunity to rest and relax this summer and to participate and attend our Association’s 95th Convention in San Antonio, Texas. I am pleased to report that the conference consists of more than 250 sessions, workshops, academic panels and special events.

Our opening session, Building Bridges to the Future: Innovation, Technology Advocacy is made up of seven distinguished educators; they will present the state of the state of Spanish and Portuguese programs across the United States. We are offering a new event this year; the Cultural Heritage Evening, featuring three exceptional presentations. Also, we hope that you will attend our annual featured author session sponsored by Santillana USA. We hope that you will attend sessions sponsored by the AATSP Programs and Contests for K-12 students which include; the AATSP Poster Contest, the National Portuguese Exam, the National Spanish Exam, Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica and the Sociedad Honoraria de Amistad.

Entertainment activities include the President's Welcome Reception, the National Spanish Exam, the Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica and the Sociedad Honoraria de Amistad Reception, and the Awards Banquet.

Lastly, I encourage you to visit the beautiful city of San Antonio. Having been in San Antonio for many years as an AP Reader, I am aware of the wonderful restaurants, museums and historic landmarks that are a part of the culture and history of Texas.

I look forward to seeing you all at the Conference in July.

Laura Zinke

AATSP President