Standout Spartan: World Languages Teacher Drew Forlano

Congratulations to Upper School World Languages Teacher Drew Forlano, author of “Los ojos de Goya” (“The Eyes of Goya”). The Spanish-language book tells the story of two best friends on a 24-hour chase through the streets of Spain to unravel a mystery tied to Francisco de Goya’s art and the terrors of the Spanish Inquisition.

“I started to write this book two years ago for my level-three Spanish students who were at home for distance learning,” said Mr. Forlano. “I pulled on my experiences living in Seville and Madrid for over seven years to set the scene for this young adult thriller. I wanted to write a book with a suspenseful storyline that still let students explore Spanish culture. I worked with Lily Chan, a freelance illustrator based in Hawaii, to create the illustrations. My good friend Cito Lozano Ballesteros, who is from Seville, read the book with me and helped with cultural and language edits. I also had some wonderful feedback from my Spanish colleagues here at Steward that helped make the book even better.”