![CHS students app featured in international journal]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1724870941/carrolltoncityschoolsnet/fun9hiqbnkp4fc8znuaa/IMG_3124-preview1.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1724870941/carrolltoncityschoolsnet/fun9hiqbnkp4fc8znuaa/IMG_3124-preview1.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1724870941/carrolltoncityschoolsnet/fun9hiqbnkp4fc8znuaa/IMG_3124-preview1.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1724870941/carrolltoncityschoolsnet/fun9hiqbnkp4fc8znuaa/IMG_3124-preview1.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1724870941/carrolltoncityschoolsnet/fun9hiqbnkp4fc8znuaa/IMG_3124-preview1.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1724870941/carrolltoncityschoolsnet/fun9hiqbnkp4fc8znuaa/IMG_3124-preview1.png","width":2048}])
Three Carrollton High School students have gained international recognition for their innovative app designed to assist English Language Learners (ELL).
CHS students Merssy Larios-Bejarano (junior), Makynna Goodman (‘24), and Mason Scoville (sophomore) developed ELLementary English, an app that was born out of Merssy’s personal experience as a former ELL student.
Carrollton High School students in the Computer Science program have developed an app to help teach English to students who are in the English Language Learners program. Pictured from left is junior Merssy Larios-Bejarano, Class of 2024 graduate Makynna Goodman, and sophomore Mason Scoville.
“Merssy is a former ELL student who progressed out of the program a few years ago,” said CHS teacher Robby Blakemore. “Her firsthand experience gave her unique insights into the challenges of the program and the tools needed for success.”
Motivated by her own journey, Merssy aimed to create something that could support other students both academically and in their quest to learn a second language.
“I know how hard it is to feel behind or left out in class, a place where you need to feel safe and ready to learn every day. Learning a second language isn’t easy, and I wanted to help,” Merssy said.
The app features different categories such as adjectives, family words, and school words. Once a category is chosen, a random word and its definition in both English and Spanish are generated, offering users a practical tool to enhance their language skills.
Blakemore noted that the students worked diligently to expand the app, adding more words, definitions, and pictures to better assist ELL students in their learning journey.
The app’s success has not gone unnoticed, as it was recently featured in the International TESOL Journal, a prestigious publication that advances professional expertise in English language teaching worldwide.
This achievement highlights the hard work and innovation of students at Carrollton City Schools, now recognized internationally.
“I am so proud of the work our students have done guided by Mr. Blakemore in developing the ELLementary English app,” said Carrollton High School Assistant Principal and Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education Director Elizabeth Sanders. “Their creation of the ELLementary app will support our students whose second language is English both inside and outside of the classroom. This app is especially special due to it being developed by a student who personally saw a need within our school and community.”
To learn more about these students and their app, visit https://my.tesol.org/news/976941.