St. Augustine Prep Students Advance in Qatar Foundation World Arabic Speaking Competition

St. Augustine Prep continues to distinguish itself through the depth and uniqueness of its academic offerings—particularly within its World Languages program.

One of the most compelling examples is the Prep’s Arabic program, led by Mr. Atta, which provides students with a rare opportunity to develop proficiency in a critical global language while engaging with diverse cultures and perspectives.

This past November, students participated in an internal Arabic speaking competition designed to identify the Prep’s top representatives for the prestigious Qatar Foundation World Arabic Speaking Competition. The event challenged students in fluency, pronunciation, confidence, and presentation—skills that reflect both linguistic mastery and real-world communication.

Following the competition, ten students were selected based on their performance:

• Landon Davis ’26
• Raylen Weaver ’26
• Jacob Engel ’26
• Patrick Duxbury ’28
• Ian Matusiak ’27
• Andrew Kierland ’26
• Zach Bader ’26
• Rocco Fanini ’26
• Oliver Deighton ’28
• Sean Deery ’26

From that group, five students have now advanced to the second—and final—round of the international competition:

• Landon Davis ’26
• Raylen Weaver ’26
• Rocco Fanini ’26
• Oliver Deighton ’28
• Patrick Duxbury ’28

Notably, Oliver Deighton and Patrick Duxbury, both sophomores, have earned a place among the finalists—an exceptional accomplishment that speaks to both their individual dedication and the strength of the program.

The final round will feature students from across the globe, including participants from the United States, Canada, Spain, Italy, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Sweden. Competing at this level places St. Augustine Prep students among the top young Arabic language learners worldwide.

Regardless of the outcome, the opportunity to represent both St. Augustine Prep and the United States in an international academic competition of this caliber is a significant achievement—one that reflects the school’s commitment to excellence in world language education.

Programs like Arabic at the Prep are intentionally designed to expand students’ horizons, equipping them with the skills and cultural awareness necessary to succeed in an increasingly interconnected world. Through immersive instruction and opportunities for global competition, students are challenged to grow beyond the traditional classroom experience.

As these five students prepare for the final round, the Prep community celebrates their accomplishment with pride. Their success is a powerful reminder that excellence at St. Augustine Prep extends across all areas of student life—academic, athletic, and beyond.