Shortly before lunch, Gabriela "Gabby" Vega, 16, who hails from Bogotá, Colombia, and is a sophomore at Roseau High School, breezed into Assistant Principal Kelsey Johnson's office.

Prior to her arrival, Mrs. Johnson praised the young lady who has been making rapid strides.

In other words, Gabby is a fast learner, especially with her grasp of English.

"She's doing great. It's kind of a cool story. She came here knowing little English, and she has just grown tremendously this last year," said Mrs. Johnson, adding that Gabriela speaks almost fluent English, does extremely well in school, and is...