Twenty-four local high school seniors have demonstrated their proficiency in communicating through a second language and have earned the New York State Seal of Biliteracy.
The New York State Seal of Biliteracy (NYSSB) recognizes high school graduates who have attained and can demonstrate a high level of proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing in one or more languages. The intent of the NYSSB is to: encourage the study of languages, identify high school graduates with language and biliteracy skills for employers, provide universities with additional information about applicants seeking admission, prepare students for twenty-first century skills, recognize the value of foreign and native language instruction in schools, and affirm the value of diversity in a multilingual society.
Final presentations by participating students took place virtually May 25 through June 2. Each student’s final presentation took place before a panel of judges made up of foreign language instructors, community members, and fluent speakers in the business world. The presentation focused on what the student had learned culturally during the course of the project, all the while communicating in a second language. Students earning the Seal of Biliteracy received a virtual certificate and a medallion to wear during their high school graduation. The Seal of Biliteracy is placed on each student’s high school diploma upon graduation.
Congratulations to the following students for earning the Seal of Biliteracy: Included with the name of the student is the second language and the name of the presentation.
Belleville Henderson Central School
Laura Zehr, French, Language Education in the U.S. vs. France
Elizabeth Hyman, Spanish, Agriculture in the U.S. vs Guatemala
Carthage Central School
Jayden Brown, Spanish, Carlos Vives
Paige Soules, Spanish, Representations in Media
Rosalyn Towler, French, Les Bandes dessinees (Comic Books)
Devin Parlati, French, L’influence de la Cuisine Francaise autour du monde (The Influence of French Cuisine around the World)
Copenhagen Central School
Chase Aubin, Spanish. The Spanish Civil War
General Brown Central School
Natalie Sheen, Spanish, Dirty Dancing Havana Nights and Cuba History
Emily Parker, Spanish, Representations in the Media
Jacob King, Spanish, Aztecs
Daniel Hodge, Spanish, Racism in Puerto Rico
Natalie Favret, Spanish, Life and Housing in Costa Rica
Indian River Central School
Ashley Delgado, English, Immigration
Lyme Central School
Davi Harris, Spanish, Immigration
Rebecca Farrell, Korean, Korean Beauty Standards
Lowville Academy and Central School
Olivia Baker, Spanish, La Historia Secreta de América Latina: Operacion Condor (The Secret History of Latin America: Operation Condor)
South Jefferson Central School
Alexa Doe, French, Cultural Expression
Tanner Weiler, French, Environmental Concerns
Charles Rogers, French, Automotive Cultures in France
Cameron Humphrey, French, Music and Musical Instruments
Abagail Keeney, French, Medical Innovation in France
Trevor Benware, French, L’industrie mortuaire (The Mortuary Industry)
Gracie Elliot, Spanish, Mariachi
Michael Jareo, Spanish, Empanadas
The following foreign language instructors and community members provided time within their schedules to volunteer as judges for the final presentations: Ann Elyse Foltz, Francoise Piron, Teresa Grigg, Stacey Barlow, Devan Grant, Sharon Carr, Stephanie Newvine, Sarah Neiman, Deanna Cobb, Kathy Kratzat, Betsy Roberts, Susan Fairchild, Kim Elwood, Sarah Lee, Joy Cumming, Elisabeth Lorentzen, and Tina Martin.
The Seal of Biliteracy is offered by Jefferson-Lewis BOCES and the State Seal of Biliteracy Consortium. The Consortium is a partnership between the Programs and Professional Development Department at BOCES, the New York State Education Department Office of Bilingual Education and World Languages and the Mid-State RBERN (Regional Bilingual Education Resource Network), Regional Seal of Biliteracy Committee Members, and World Language educators from the aforementioned school districts.