Schools
Roosevelt School District Hosts Third Annual Seal of Biliteracy Ceremony
Students Showcase Multilingual Skills and Personal Journeys at Annual Recognition Event
The Roosevelt School District recently held its third annual Seal of Biliteracy ceremony, recognizing Roosevelt High School students who earned the New York State Seal of Biliteracy for demonstrated proficiency in English and one or more additional languages.
During the ceremony, students delivered speeches in multiple languages, shared personal reflections on their educational journeys, and highlighted the importance of biliteracy in their academic and professional futures. Their presentations showcased both linguistic achievement and cultural pride.
The New York State Seal of Biliteracy recognizes students who attain a high level of proficiency in English and at least one other language, supporting their readiness to thrive in college, careers and an increasingly interconnected global society. Recipients may include the Seal on their official academic records, a distinction that reflects their multilingual skills and cultural competency.
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Roosevelt held its first Seal of Biliteracy ceremony in 2024, recognizing the first 21 students in the District’s history to earn state recognition. Last year, that number jumped to 37 students.
“Earning the Seal of Biliteracy represents not only academic excellence, but also perseverance, cultural pride, and the ability to connect across communities,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Shawn Wightman. “We are incredibly proud of our students for reaching this milestone and grateful to our educators for fostering an environment where multilingualism is valued and celebrated.”
This achievement is made possible through the dedication of Roosevelt’s educators and staff, including Roosevelt High School Principal Keith Saunders Sr. and Director of ENL/Bilingual Programs and World Languages Aileen Torres Martin.
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The District congratulates all students who earned the New York State Seal of Biliteracy and looks forward to continuing to expand its world language offerings. Roosevelt High School plans to further broaden opportunities in Italian, American Sign Language, and Mandarin in the coming years, supporting students in becoming proficient global communicators.
To learn more about the Roosevelt Union Free School District, please visit the District's website at https://www.rooseveltufsd.org. Happenings in the District can also be followed on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/RooseveltUFSD.
