Central High School is proud to announce that a second group of students completed the requirements for the New York State Seal of Biliteracy in early June. Twelve students presented cultural comparisons to a panel of teachers and administrators via Microsoft Teams, led by Central High School Seal of Biliteracy coordinator Marisa Díaz y Díaz. The presentations were conducted in French and Spanish followed by an extensive question and answer session by the panel.
Amber Abdul, Jazmin Ayala, Antonio Collado, Monae Edwards, Sarah Hock, Illyana Lewis, Sharon Marin, Harjinder Pawar, Melissa Ramkissoon, Ramon Regan, Maya Smith and Brandon Thomas focused their cultural comparisons on countries such Colombia, Cuba, France, Mexico and Spain with the United States. Topics included personal and public identities, environmental issues, jazz music, celebrations, education, racism and health care systems.
Students completed specific requirements for this prestigious recognition. As stated on the New York State Education website, “the New York State Seal of Biliteracy 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. The intent of the NYSSB is to encourage the study of languages; identify high school graduates with language and biliteracy skills for employers; provide universities with additional information about applicants seeking admission; prepare students with twenty-first century skills; recognize the value of foreign and native language instruction in schools; and affirm the value of diversity in a multilingual society.”
Central High School is very proud of the nineteen students who completed the requirements for The New York Seal of Biliteracy this school year. These students’ commitment to biliteracy reflects their understanding of the importance of both world languages and cultures.