The challenge that these two fine young men faced was a daunting one.

“The biggest challenge for me was the language,” said Saetang, who came to Ardmore in 2002. “In my classes it was hard to learn anything and, on more than one occasion, I just wanted to give up.”

Nguyen echoed Saetang’s sentiments regarding the difficulties presented by language.

“Learning the subject matter in English was not easy,” said Nguyen. “The good thing is I had great teachers and a lot of friends and that helped. I spent time talking with them and they were very helpful to me. I found spending time with native speakers made it easier to learn the language than had I tried to do it all on my own.”

Both Saetang and Nguyen were involved in activities outside the classroom and both state that these extra-curricular activities helped with their language acquisition.

Saetang was particularly involved in athletics, playing on both the varsity football team and the soccer team.

“Sports helped me a lot and I made many friends by participating in football and soccer,” said Saetang. “I learned a lot about the language and a lot about living by being involved in sports. Football taught me a valuable lesson and that was to never give up.”

Saetang was able to apply this “never-give-up” attitude to his studies in general and to the graduation exam in particular. With great diligence, Saetang worked toward mastering each section of the exam and ultimately met with success.

“It was a wonderful feeling,” said Saetang. “I was able to accomplish more than I ever thought possible, but I could not have done it without the help of my teachers, my friends and my family.”

Nguyen faced similar problems as Saetang after coming to America four years ago from his native country of Viet Nam.

“Learning the language was hard,” said Nguyen. “But I had so much help from friends and from my home environment.”

Nguyen lived in the home of AHS teacher Susan Wiley and attributes the love, acceptance and support he received in the Wiley home as a major reason for his success. In addition, he was very active in Beta Club and Math Club.

The hard work, dedication and achievements of Nguyen did not go unnoticed by teachers and school administrators.

“Both Kennedy and Tuan have been great students and gracious young men,” said AHS Principal Mike Owens. “Both of them came to rural Alabama where the customs and the culture are much different from what they were used to. Even though it was difficult, they embraced our culture and accepted everything they encountered, even when it was not familiar. Both of these young men are fine representatives of their countries and their cultures.”

Owens had special praise for the efforts made by Nguyen and Saetang in facing the challenge of learning English.

“Both of these young men never gave up, no matter how difficult things were,” continued Owens. “I am proud of both of them and the efforts they made. These students are great role models for others to follow.”

Both Saetang and Nguyen will be continuing their studies at the collegiate level. Saetang will spend the summer enrolled in an intensive English language program for international students at Auburn University. In the fall semester, he will begin his formal studies at Auburn and states that he plans to major in International Business.

Nguyen will move to Huntsville this summer and will begin his studies at UAH, majoring in Electrical Engineering.

Tuan Nguyen is the son of Khang and Lien Nguyen. Kennedy Saetang is the son of Nopado and Lumpang Saetang of Ardmore. Kennedy’s younger sister, Nita, will be entering her sophomore year at AHS next fall.