Madison Reporter

More than 80 students from the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) have been awarded the Wisconsin Seal of Biliteracy. This accolade acknowledges their proficiency in multiple languages and celebrates their diverse cultural backgrounds.

The Seal of Biliteracy not only demonstrates fluency but also highlights the connections these students have forged across different cultures. Achieving this recognition often involves balancing academic responsibilities with personal and extracurricular commitments over several years.

La Follette High School marked a significant achievement by awarding the seal to 32 seniors, the largest group in its history. Many of these students began their education in the United States in 2018, mastering bilingual skills in English and Spanish, moving beyond ESL services, and excelling in advanced English courses.

West High School recognized 36 students for their language proficiency, including 31 seniors and 22 juniors who will be honored next year. These students demonstrated skills in languages such as Spanish, French, German, Korean, Mandarin Chinese, and Arabic. Some were acknowledged for fluency in languages not formally taught within MMSD, while others showed proficiency in multiple languages.

Memorial High School celebrated 13 recipients of the seal, while East High School honored four students with this distinction.

“It feels amazing because I can blend both my cultures of being Hispanic and American and bring that into the whole world,” said La Follette senior Mia Espinal.

This year's recipients leave behind a legacy characterized by curiosity, courage, and connection. They underscore the importance of understanding across languages as a valuable skill worth celebrating.

To qualify for the seal, students must meet graduation requirements, demonstrate English proficiency through assessments like the ACT or AP exams, achieve an Intermediate High level of fluency in another language, and reflect on their cultural experiences through writing.