Dallas teen wins award in Chinese language competition

DALLAS - A North Texas teenager is expanding his knowledge of the world through language. He's doing it so well, the international community awarded him a prestigious award.

Avery Pearson can describe his school in Chinese. The 15-year-old can also write about it in the language that at first intimidated him.

“There’s same pronunciation, different meaning… same character, different meaning. There are no plurals in Chinese,” he said.

Now the language excites him.

“It’s a challenge, but I love a challenge,” Pearson said.

The 10th grader at St. Marks School of Texas is just back from a 14-day trip to China where he impressed judges at a student Chinese speaking competition.

After a rigorous three-day contest with teens from 180 different countries, they awarded him a third place trophy and certificate.

Pearson has every reason to pat himself on the back.

“I’m trying to be humble, but yeah, I’m proud of myself and I’m glad I made it that far and really grateful for the people that got me there,” he said.

Scott Gonzalez, the interim head for the Upper School at St. Marks, said the trip wasn’t just about the contest.

“It’s about cultural realization. It’s about language. It’s about expanding their horizons. This particular competition is one that allows them to engage in an activity that we couldn’t possibly replicate in the classroom,” he said.

Pearson’s career goals now span from being an actor to an international businessman.