‘Seal of Biliteracy’ awards presented
The 10th annual California Seal of Biliteracy Award Program was held June 1 at the Sequoia Conference Center in Eureka.
This event started in 2012-13 and this year recognizes and celebrates dozens of graduating high school seniors from Humboldt County schools.
The students achieved a high level of proficiency in speaking, reading and writing in at least two languages, one of which is English. Students who are certified to have the California Seal of Biliteracy added to their high school diplomas meet rigorous criteria in both English and at least one other language. These criteria include world language coursework, GPA requirements, written essays and comprehensive interviews conducted by Cal Poly Humboldt Department of World Languages and Cultures professors, high school world language teachers and community members, among other requirements.
The awards program included remarks from Seal Coordinator and HCOE Learning Specialist Agustín Amaro and Humboldt County Superintendent of Schools Michael DaviesHughes.
“Through your study of languages, you now possess the augmented superpower of multi-literacy and multilingualism,” said Amaro in a message to students. “A multi-literate individual will find that they are now in better position to see, feel, hear and think and talk about the world.”
The Seal of Biliteracy is recognized as a valuable asset for employment, college admission, cultural identity and personal growth. The program is sponsored by the Humboldt County Office of Education, in partnership with Cal Poly Humboldt and in collaboration with school counselors and language educators.
High schools represented were Arcata High, Academy of the Redwoods, Eureka High, Fortuna High, Ferndale High, McKinleyville High, NPA, South Fork High and Saint Bernard’s Academy.