Forty-nine local high school seniors from eleven local school districts have displayed their exceptional language skills and earned the prestigious New York State Seal of Biliteracy (NYSSB). This commendation acknowledges their high level of proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in one or more additional languages beyond English. The NYSSB not only encourages language studies, but also highlights the significance of multilingualism in today's society.
The NYSSB serves several purposes, including encouraging language learning, and providing valuable information to employers about graduates' language abilities in reading, writing, listening and speaking. The NYSSB aides universities in evaluating prospective students, prepares individuals for the demands of the twenty-first century, recognizes the value of language instruction, and celebrates the diversity of our multilingual society.
In collaboration with the Jefferson-Lewis-Hamilton-Herkimer-Oneida BOCES Programs and Professional Development Department, the final presentations by participating students were held in early April. Each student delivered their presentation in their second language before a panel of judges comprising of foreign language instructors, community members, and accomplished professionals. These presentations focused on the students' cultural learning experiences during the course of their language studies and included impromptu discussions with the judges.
Students who earned the Seal of Biliteracy are presented with a virtual certificate and a medallion to be worn during their high school graduation ceremonies in June. Additionally, a Seal of Biliteracy will be affixed to the student’s high school diploma upon graduation, further recognizing their exceptional linguistic accomplishments.
Congratulations to the following students for earning the Seal of Biliteracy:
Adirondack Central School
Mackenzie Shaffer (Spanish)
Carthage Central School
Madison Werner (Spanish)
Ella Williamson (Spanish)
Copenhagen Central School
Aydan Sheitz (Spanish)
Julia Richardson (Spanish)
General Brown Central School
Riley Eads (Spanish)
Brock McManaman (Spanish)
Jason Rebelo (Spanish)
Hayley Richards (Spanish)
Morgan Dillenback (Spanish)
Alivia Cross (Spanish)
Mackenzie Donaldson (Spanish)
Immaculate Heart
Allyson Ladouceur (French)
Logan Petersen (French)
Samuel Charlebois (French)
Elizabeth Zajac (French)
Piper Gonas (French)
Indian River Central School
Loralei Shankle (German)
Morgan Wheeler (German)
Jack Frans (German)
Benjamin Berry (German)
Avery Notz (German)
Joshua Billings (German)
Lowville Academy and Central School
Landon Brennan (Spanish)
Henry Goss (Spanish)
Jenna Weiler (Spanish)
Lily Exford (Spanish)
Lyme Central School
Rose Hunt (Spanish)
South Jefferson Central School
Chole Brown (Spanish)
Emily Belcher (Spanish)
Chloe Abbott (Spanish)
Eliana Dulmage (Spanish)
Madison Burdick (French)
Robert Piddock (French)
Jack Porter (French)
Thousand Islands Central School
Regan Dine (Spanish)
Ava Diablo (Spanish)
Emerald Crowley (Spanish)
Emily Durr (Spanish)
Donovan Pettit (Spanish)
Sayron Rios (Spanish)
Genevieve Cartaya (Spanish)
Mary Hinckley (French)
Addison Swenson (French)
Mary Foster (French)
Luik Hopper (French)
Watertown City School District
Dominic Youngs-Englert (Spanish)
Rosalyn Lewis (Spanish)
Lychelle Bagay (Tagalog)
BOCES would like to thank all of the judges who volunteered their time in observing and scoring these presentations, as well as the numerous foreign language instructors in the region who worked vigorously in preparing these students for this wonderful achievement.
The New York State Seal of Biliteracy is possible through the collaboration of Jefferson-Lewis-Hamilton-Herkimer-Oneida BOCES and the State Seal of Biliteracy Consortium. The Consortium represents a partnership between the Programs and Professional Development Department at BOCES, the New York State Education Department Office of Bilingual Education and World Languages, the Mid-State RBERN (Regional Bilingual Education Resource Network), Regional Seal of Biliteracy Committee Members, and World Language educators from the aforementioned school districts.
About Jefferson-Lewis-Hamilton-Herkimer-Oneida BOCES
Jefferson-Lewis-Hamilton-Herkimer-Oneida BOCES (Board of Cooperative Educational Services) offers cost-effective shared services to 18 component school districts. These services include career and technical education course offerings as well as special education, instructional and administrative support services. BOCES also serves the continuing education needs of local business, labor and industries in the community and offers a wide range of continuing education opportunities for adult learners. Learn more at www.boces.com.