Burlington Student Receives State Language Honor

A Burlington student is the recipient of a prestigious state honor.

Shawsheen Technical High School 2025 graduate, Ronan Dewar, was recently selected to receive the Massachusetts Foreign Language Association (MAFLA) Award for Excellence. This distinguished recognition is granted to a select group of students across the state who have demonstrated extraordinary academic achievement in their school’s most advanced world language courses.

Ronan has been interested in languages and cultures since childhood, he said, with specific interest in "finding out what’s authentic to cultures rather than basing my assumptions off stereotypes." He became interested in Spanish specifically when traveling to visit family in New Mexico, where his grandmother frequently spoke Spanish.

This award celebrates more than just strong language capabilities; MAFLA Committee Chair Amy St. Arnaud in her award letter praised Ronan's “work ethic, perseverance, and curiosity.”

This curiosity was on full display in Spanish class, said his teacher, Jacob Goliti-Chase. “Due to his interpersonal insights and real-world connections," said Goliti-Chase, “Ronan played a key role in how this year’s Spanish curriculum evolved, making our proficiency-based curriculum more engaging, relevant, and personalized.” 

An example of such connections, said Ronan, was when he tried to make pan de muerto, or “bread of the dead,” a traditional pastry served on día de los muertos (Day of the Dead). “It didn’t go as planned, so when I brought it up in class, we could discuss how the bread was supposed to be.”

A 2025graduate of Shawsheen's Advanced Manufacturing vocational program, Ronan said he knew a traditional high school path wasn't for him and chose to attend Shawsheen for its hands-on, skill-based learning opportunities. And through his technical learning experiences, he continued making cross-cultural connections.

During his co-op placement at Galaxie Laboratory, Ronan bonded with a coworker from Laos over cultural foods and traditions and later shared those insights in class, enriching discussions and expanding his peers’ understanding of global perspectives.

Ronan has thrived in academics, shops, and extracurriculars at Shawsheen, actively participating in the Music and Drama Club. Through the school’s cooperative education program, he secured a placement at Galaxie Laboratory during his junior year and will seamlessly transition into a full-time role as a CNC machinist following graduation.

Upon receiving this award on his final official day of school, Ronan simply said, “Wow, thank you! I was not expecting this.” Ronan's teachers, classmates, and the Shawsheen community, however, were not surprised, but rather grateful for all that Ronan has contributed to the community.  

Shawsheen’s world language program has been the recipient of statewide attention and grant funding recently, and the Spanish language program is gaining recognition for its proficiency-based and culturally immersive approach to language education. Courses feature engaging, authentic cultural resources including food, music, and exploration of the deep historical, linguistic, religious, and ethnic connections between Spanish-speaking communities across the globe.

Ronan wishes to thank all his instructors, especially Spanish teacher Mr. Jacob Goliti-Chase and his Advanced Manufacturing teacher Mr. Larry Retelle, for encouraging his curiosity and supporting his growth every step of the way.

Allison Cammarata is the Director of Communications & Community Partnerships at Shawsheen Valley Technical High School through June 30, 2025.