Thirty-two Queensbury High School students earned the New York State Seal of Biliteracy during a ceremony on Thursday, June 4. The New York State Seal of Biliteracy recognizes high school graduates who have obtained a high level of proficiency in English and at least one other world language.
“Being able to speak and being proficient in two languages is a way to connect yourself to the rest of the world,” said Spanish teacher Stephen Collins, “to not only converse and communicate with others in another language, but to get to know people and cultures that are far beyond our reach and also be competitive in the job market.”
Learning a second language allows students to become global citizens who can meet the demands of the 21st century, said French teacher Meghan Chance.
“The motivation of these seniors to work toward the Seal of Biliteracy is an accomplishment that they should all be proud of,” Chance said.
Before receiving their certificates, the students heard from student speakers Emily Zheng and Caterina Colaianni. The Seal of Biliteracy is affixed to the student’s diploma and will be noted on the graduation program.
Students who earned the Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish include: Mia Afsar-Keshmiri, Raphael Angelucci, Averi Belanger, Allison Bleyenburg, Christopher DiPlacido, Ryan Greenstein, Alden Guay, Joshua Jenkin, Lucci Jiang, Alexis Knill, Tristan Lane, Deanna Lamkins, Faith Lawani, Finley Magee, Marina Muldner, Susan Parker, Julia Ross, Hannah Scherer, Mallery Spooner and Emily Zheng.
Students who earned the Seal of Biliteracy in French include: Evan Baird, Jessica Brooks, Peyton Conway, Madelyn Dinsmore, Ruby Janssen, Liam Kerr, Sydney Lamy, Frank Ovitt and Chloe Zhao.
Students who earned the Seal of Biliteracy in Italian include: Caterina Colaianni and Leonardo Lega.
Students who earned the Seal of Biliteracy in Chinese include: Roxanne Chen and Emily Zheng.