1. MEDIA RELEASE
December 3, 2010
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Ann Engelhard, Director of Advancement
St. Mary Central High School
1050 Zephyr Drive, Neenah, WI 54956
920.722.7796 ext. 201; aengelhard@tcces.k12.wi.us
St. Mary Central High School Announces
Mandarin Chinese Four-Year Core
Language Course
NEENAH: St. Mary Central High School is offering a 4-year course in Mandarin Chinese
starting in 2011.
Forward-thinking American educators know the importance of effective communication in
accomplishing business and diplomatic goals. At an astonishing rate, the preferred
secondary language for that communication is becoming Mandarin Chinese (also known as
Modern Standard Chinese), which is currently spoken by more than one billion people --
that’s one out of every six, worldwide.
St. Mary Central High School in Neenah is making the significant commitment to equip its
students to prepare for and participate in the following realities:
• China’s vast domestic markets are opening to American products and technology,
and its manufacturers continue to be vital suppliers to American companies and
consumers, both of which mean new challenges and opportunities for American
businesses.
• Mandarin Chinese is the most spoken native language in the world, and the second
most-used language on the Internet.
• Chinese is one of the five languages deemed by the United States government to be
of “critical” importance, and is one of the six official languages of the United
Nations.
• As China’s economic presence grows, it is important that we are able to
communicate effectively in business.
• China is poised to become a major international cultural presence.
• American students’ counterparts in Western Europe, South America and India are
studying Mandarin Chinese at a rate surpassing even English, preparing our
competitors to do business with the increasingly powerful Chinese economic forces.

2. St. Mary Central High School administration, supporters and alumni have already led the
school to take a giant leap forward with the successful implementation this year of the
schoolwide SMC One-To-One Laptop Program. This innovative program is now
instrumental in arming SMC graduates with 21st Century critical thinking skills and mastery
of digital technology. Recognizing the increasing importance of global thinking and
competitive preparation, the school is announcing the introduction of the Mandarin Chinese
program beginning in Fall 2011.
Thomas J. Falk, the Chairman and CEO of Kimberly-Clark Corporation, recognizes the
essential role of Chinese language and cultural fluency in today’s marketplace. “As China
develops, the importance of understanding the largest marketplace in the world brings vast
opportunities to those who recognize and understand the culture and the language.”
St. Mary Central’s comprehensive program will focus on both language instruction and
cultural integration. First year classes will be offered beginning in September 2011, and
advanced levels will be added each year as students progress. By the time the Class of 2015
graduates, their knowledge and skills will open doors to new and exciting higher
educational opportunities and long-term job opportunities. In addition to offering
coursework, the school is actively investigating opportunities for cultural exchanges and
Chinese travel.
Patrick Batey, principal, recognizes the need for St. Mary Central to be leading the way in
academic excellence. “St. Mary Central is building the foundation to prepare its students for
their university educations. The knowledge and experience students will gain will equip
SMC graduates to continue their education at top-ranking institutions and ultimately to
contribute significantly to society.”
In short, our country’s future will be shaped by our preparation for and response to new
realities. By providing comprehensive instruction in Chinese language and culture, St. Mary
Central is making another step to enrich the lives of its students while preparing them for
future realities that we can only imagine today.
St. Mary Central, a regional Catholic high school, is part of Twin City Catholic Educational
System (TCCES). The system also includes St. Margaret Mary and St. Gabriel Elementary
Schools in Neenah, as well as St. Mary Elementary and Seton Catholic Middle School in
Menasha. TCCES is dedicated to the individual development of each student by providing
an education focused on faith, academics and service.
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