On Saturday, March 23, 2024, the Appalachian Professional Language Educators' Society (APPLES) hosted its annual Foreign Language Festival on the IUP campus.

Approximately 230 foreign language students from local area high schools participated in competitions in listening, reading, writing, speaking, literary recitation, drama, original or reproduction of an art piece, constructing a model, T-shirts, dance, and music vocal and music instrumental performances. All events occurred in Spanish, French, German, or Latin.  

Members of the Department of Foreign Languages coordinated the festival and collaborated with other institutions to serve as judges for the events. 

APPLES membership includes foreign language professionals from Western Pennsylvania and encompasses both K-12 and post-secondary educators.