Thirty-five local high school seniors 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 languages. 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 entirely in their second language before a panel of judges comprising 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:
Alexandria Central School
Erik Croll (French)
Carthage Central School
Grant Gillman (Spanish)
Yixuan Huang (French and Mandarin-Earned Seal of Triliteracy)
Shaira Parnes (Spanish and Hebrew-Earned Seal of Triliteracy)
Anna Rivera (Spanish)
Claire Rogers (Spanish)
Ryan Speight (French)
Marissa Williams (French)
Brianna Wroten (Spanish)
General Brown Central School
Cameryn Case (Spanish)
Lucia French (Spanish)
Keria Guerriero (Spanish)
McKenna Lee (Spanish)
Olivia Wisner (Spanish)
Immaculate Heart
Adrianna Lott (French)
Indian River Central School
Camdyn Corbett (French)
Hailey Ringuette (French)
Madison Taylor (German)
Lowville Academy and Central School
Katelynn Baker (Spanish)
Annabella LaPuma (Spanish)
Rubi Zabielowicz (Polish)
Lyme Central School
Ximena Ortiz (Spanish)
South Jefferson Central School
Trinity Brimmer (French)
Carleigh Johnston (French)
Katelin Shelmidine (Spanish)
Thousand Islands Central School
Emily Clark (French)
Saige Ennis (French)
Leah Ingerson (Spanish)
Alexandra Ives (French)
Rebecca Leonard (Spanish)
Ella McMahill (French)
Taylor Rupp (French)
Watertown City School District
Nathalie Lassiter (Spanish)
Connor Laporte (French)
Maya Voss (Spanish)
The final presentations were possible thanks to the generous contribution of time and expertise from foreign language instructors and community members who volunteered as judges. The following individuals graciously served as judges for the final presentations: Melinda Bechaz, Amy Baker, Deanna Cobb, Hayley Ascough, Joy Cumming, Elvira Cortes, Brianna Jasphersohn, Sheri Wolf, Shantelle Williams, Eliza Pierce, Devan Grant, Stacy Barlow, Lillian Gaztiano-Carro, Liam Grill, Krista Juzack, Silke Ernisse, Elisabeth Lorentzsen, Cassandra Chalon, Teresa Chalon, Patricia Minter-Powell, Francoise Piron, Chelsey Zuber, Lisabel Pacheco, Angela Lyndaker, Jeri Gosier, Stephanie Newvine.
A special thank you to all the foreign language instructors who prepared and supported these students through the hard work of earning the Seal: Amy Baker, Stacey Barlow, Melinda Bechaz, Joy Cummings, Elisabeth Lorentzsen, Patricia Minter-Powell, Haley Ascough, Stephanie Newvine, Shantelle Williams, Mary Ann Reff, Julianne Oliver, Eliza Pierce, and Chelsey Zuber.
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.