Thirty-six Queensbury High School students earned the New York State Seal of Biliteracy during a ceremony on Thursday, June 5. 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. Three of the students earned the seal in two languages, and two students received the seal in three languages.
The seal, which is placed on the graduation diploma, signifies a high level of language competence in reading, writing, listening and speaking. Students were given a medallion to be worn at graduation.
The intent is to encourage the study of languages, to identify high school graduates with language and biliteracy skills for employers, to provide universities with additional information about applicants seeking admission and placement, to prepare students with 21st-century skills, to recognize the value of language instruction, and to affirm the value of diversity in a multilingual society, according to the state education department website.
“We all know that we are now living in a global era, a time when we can have daily communication across national borders, a global world market, and a time when we can no longer expect everyone to speak our language,” said Spanish teacher Stephen Collins, the QHS seal coordinator. “Being able to speak and be proficient in two languages is a way to connect yourself to the rest of the world.”
Students who earned the Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish include: Chase Baker, Ethan Boecher, Aidan Brown, Xiao Ying Cheng Wu, Alana Coakley, Grace Denious, William Duncan, Patrick Eppedico-Cirillo, Trinity Fermin, Noah Geczy, Nickolas Gileski, Cayla Hoskins-Pfeiffer, Troy Jorgensen, Emily Kenny, Bryce LaLone, Mia Lemery, Rider Lee, Lola Leonard, Gwendolyn Lipa, Madeline Moger, Sarah Nelson, Paige Paradise, Jaonie Quema, Ava Roca, Lillian Sankey, Jahdiel Torres, Elizabeth Trowbridge, Yiyang Wang and Cynthia Zheng.
Students who earned the Seal of Biliteracy in French include: Jacopo Accardo, Gracie Bovee, Trinity Fermin, Sophia Flewelling, Emeline Lemieux, Ava Lohrey, Julia Powell and Alyssa Wilson.
Students who earned the Seal of Biliteracy in Italian include: Jacopo Accardo.
Students who earned the Seal of Biliteracy in Chinese include: Xiao Ying Cheng Wu and Yiyang Wang.
Students who earned the Seal of Biliteracy in Tagalog include: Jaonie Quema.
Students who earned the Seal of Biliteracy in Cantonese include: Xiao Ying Cheng Wu.
Students who earned the Seal of Biliteracy in Cebuano include: Jaonie Quema.