Seventeen seniors receive the Seal of Biliteracy at PBHS

Seventeen Pine Bush High School seniors earned the New York State Seal of Biliteracy at a recognition ceremony at Pine Bush High School on June 7.

A group of 17 high school seniors on risers stand together holding certificates.

The intent of the New York State Seal of Biliteracy is to encourage the study of languages, prepare students with 21st century skills, recognize the value of foreign and native language instruction in schools and affirm the value of diversity in a multilingual society.

A young man, wearing a blue shirt and holding a microphone, talks while teachers around him are listening.

Kristin Raucci, the district’s world language chairperson and Seal of Biliteracy coordinator, reminded those assembled of the value of communication and learning another language. “It allows us to share our essence with another human being and opens the door to new experiences.” The students will wear their medallion for graduation and the seal will be added to their diplomas.

A young women with long dark hair holds a certificate. She is smiling and has a medallion around her neck.

Earning the seal takes intense study and presentation skills. The Seal of Biliteracy recognizes students who have attained a high level of proficiency in the three standards/modes of communication: interpretive, interpersonal and presentational, in one or more languages, in addition to English. The criteria to be awarded the Seal of Biliteracy is based on those established by the Board of Regents.

A young woman wearing a pink dress and denim jacket talks as teachers around her listen.

The students each prepared five pieces of work for their biliteracy portfolio. They chose a topic from those five and prepared a five-minute presentation, in Spanish of course. They answered questions on the topic, as well as questions about themselves, their studies, their future plans and any follow-up questions.

Three high school senior young women, all wearing medallions with yellow ribbons around their necks, stand with a teacher.

Mrs. Raucci thanked her fellow Seal of Biliteracy Committee members: Monica Morales, Daniel Edwards, Mari Shaffer and Kelly Cooke. They also honored Senora Morales, who is retiring.

A young woman with long blonde hair holds her medallion in one hand and a certificate in another. She is smiling.

The following students received the 2023 New York State Seal of Biliteracy:

Valeria Acevedo Lamouth
Yasmin Aguilar
Jade Armstrong
Marie Cerniglia
Caitlin Druke
Amanda Fox
Margaret Hines
Rebeca Lockward
Megan Maragliano
Kiera Masci
Meryl Palinkas
Harold Paredes
Sydney Perez
Ary Rodas
Jana Shaban
Jared Urena
Colby Zupetz

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Seventeen seniors receive the Seal of Biliteracy at PBHS