The District of Middletown Public Schools is celebrating a significant academic achievement: twelve members of its Class of 2024 have been awarded the Seal of Biliteracy. This honor is given to students who demonstrate Intermediate Mid proficiency in two or more languages by the time they graduate from high school.
The Seal of Biliteracy is more than a certificate; it is a testament to a student's proficiency in multiple languages, enhancing their prospects in the job market and higher education. It signals to employers and colleges that these students are well-prepared for the professional world, capable of engaging as global citizens.
Dr. Alberto Vázquez Matos, Superintendent of Schools and the district's first bilingual and biliterate Latino superintendent, expressed his pride: "I am incredibly proud of our 12 graduates who earned the Seal of Biliteracy. As someone who understands firsthand the value of bilingualism, I can attest to the doors it opens and the perspectives it broadens. These students have not only demonstrated academic excellence but have also embraced the cultural richness that comes with mastering multiple languages. Their achievements are proof of our district's commitment to fostering global citizens who are ready for the challenges and opportunities of our interconnected world."
Andres Alphonso, World Languages Department Chair, also commented on the significance of this achievement: "As a person born in Puerto Rico and a multilingual speaker and learner, I am excited that we provide this opportunity for our students to demonstrate their proficiency in a language that we either teach at MHS or their home language. I know the impact of being able to communicate in other languages and the professional and personal opportunities it offers."
The District of Middletown Public Schools extends its congratulations to the twelve outstanding graduates and anticipates the many ways their biliteracy skills will benefit them in their future endeavors. The graduates who earned the Connecticut State Seal of Biliteracy are:
Ayesha Aftab - Urdu
Ryan Battista - French
Gioia Biales - Spanish
Sofiya Boyko - Ukrainian
Francheska Garcia - Spanish
Katherine Irrizary-Munoz - Spanish
Elise Kennedy - Spanish
Eric Leisener - German
Arieliz Perez Rivera - Spanish
Maria Camila Suarez - Spanish
Maria Jose Suarez - Spanish
Jimena Trejo - Spanish
This remarkable accomplishment reflects the support and encouragement from their teachers, parents, families, and the entire Middletown community throughout their educational journey.
Middletown Public Schools is committed to providing its students with the opportunity to achieve such distinguished honors. For more information about the Seal of Biliteracy, please visit: https://www.middletownschools.org/page/seal-of-biliteracy