Nine Babylon Seniors Receive New York State Seal of Biliteracy

Nine members of Babylon Junior-Senior High School’s Class of 2023 have received New York State Seals of Biliteracy. The students—Caroline Cassidy, Olivia Cavallo, Olivia Conti, Jackson Esposito, Nico Giammarino, Jameson Howard, Matthew Nyman, Lisa Petraitis, and Madeline Romaine—underwent a rigorous testing process to achieve this distinction and demonstrate their biliteracy. For their accomplishments, the students received certificates, medals to be worn at their graduation ceremonies, and a seal on their diplomas.

To receive their seals, the nine students had to complete requirements in English as well as in either French or Spanish. The state requires that they have high achievement on the ELA Regents, take an AP English course, and score a 3 or better on the exam along with high grades in the course. For the world language, they needed to take a Checkpoint C language course with above-average achievement. Students also had to write and research a scholarly essay, which they presented to a panel of language teachers who questioned them on specific points presented in the paper. This project was used to assess their writing, reading, speaking, and listening skills at the intermediate high level according to the American Council of Teachers of Foreign Language scale. Finally, successful candidates were recommended by an English and a world language teacher to complete the process.

For more information about the Babylon Union Free School District, please visit the District’s website at www.babylon.k12.ny.us. Exciting activities happening throughout the District and programs celebrating student achievement can also be found on the District’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/babylonschooldistrict/.