Twenty-one high school students earn New York State Seal of Biliteracy honors

Seal of Biliteracy recipients

Twenty-one Minisink Valley High School students have earned New York State Seal of Biliteracy honors for the 2020-21 school year.

Seal of Biliteracy medalThe 15 seniors will receive the seal on their forthcoming diplomas and a medal signifying their accomplishments.

The six juniors receive the same next year when they graduate and will be able to use this earned distinction on their forthcoming college applications.

Grade 12

French
N’Senga Kinzonzi
Taylor Poynton

Haitian Creole
Laurie Atiste

Russian
Lara Dyman

Spanish
Nasier Brown
Julianna Candelaria
Krystal Fernandez
Alejandro Iglesias
Alexa Llucemo
Christopher Newton
Elsy Nolasco
Ryan Rodriquez
Peter Sadler
Brian Tremper
Giuliana Vinces

Grade 11

English (Spanish)
Stephani Parks Ortiz

German
Charlie Mason

Spanish
Edward Gomez
Nataly Pena
Matthew Sheridan
Abigail Solorzano

The New York State Seal of Biliteracy (NYSSB) recognizes high school graduates who have attained a high level of proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in one or more languages, in addition to English.

Its 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 world, classical and home language instruction in schools and to affirm the value of diversity in a multilingual society.