Congratulations to the 11 Ellenville Senior High School World Language students who recently demonstrated their proficiency in speaking, listening, reading, and writing in a second language—in their case, Spanish—by showcasing their “Seal Projects.” The presentations, which took place on April 5 in the Junior/Senior High School Media Center, marked the final step in the students’ quest to earn New York State’s Seal of Biliteracy. In addition to having a special seal affixed to their diplomas, the students will receive a medallion at graduation, symbolizing both their language prowess and their cultural awareness.
The presentations were the culmination of the students’ years of dedication to learning a second language. “This is a way to honor and reward the students who have invested many years in the study of a foreign language with a special distinction that they can carry with them into the working force or to their college of choice,” said World Language teacher Angeles Onis, who serves as Ellenville’s Seal of Biliteracy coordinator as well as the advisor of the Spanish Honor Society. “I am very proud of all their achievements and successes, and having this distinction is only one of them!”
Using Google slides, the students presented their chosen topics to the panel of reviewers, which included Ms. Onis, several Ellenville teachers and community members, a school counselor, and Principal Carl Pabón, all of whom are fluent in Spanish. The students discussed at length such topics as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, economic inequality, racism, global warming, poverty, the rights of disabled, and abortion. At the end of their presentations, they answered questions posed by the panel members.
The Seal of Biliteracy review committee was impressed by the sensitivity of the students, as well as their desire to promote awareness of complex issues, according to Ms. Onis. “Some of the members of the committee mentioned how happy they were to see that there are young people who do care about others' well-being and who show empathy and compassion for the weakest among us,” she said.
Kudos to these hardworking bilingual Blue Devils:
Sarai Cruz-Olivero, Skyler Davis, Ayline De La Cruz, Michelle De La Cruz, Sara Gonzalez, Johanna Morse, Ashley Nunuvero, Carlos Raiban, Kevin Raiban, Ernesto Santamaria, and Brandon Taborda.
