Saturday, June 14, 2025
The Roosevelt Union Free School District is set to celebrate a milestone in multilingual achievement, honoring 37 high school students who have earned the New York State Seal of Biliteracy. The second annual recognition ceremony, scheduled for May 29, will feature speeches delivered in multiple languages and reflections from students on their linguistic journeys.
The Seal of Biliteracy is awarded to students who demonstrate proficiency in English and at least one additional language. This year’s class marks a significant increase from last year’s inaugural group, which included 21 students — the first in the district’s history to receive the designation.
“The number of students who earned the Seal of Biliteracy nearly doubled this year, which is a testament to the dedication of our educators and the diligence and ambition of our students,” said Superintendent of Schools Shawn Wightman. “Hosting this ceremony for a second year highlights our staff’s commitment to ensuring our scholars are supported, empowered and globally ready.”
The state designation not only affirms students’ academic accomplishments but also serves as a credential for college admissions and future careers, reflecting their ability to thrive in an increasingly globalized society.
Roosevelt’s Seal of Biliteracy program has grown under the guidance of district leadership and staff, including Dr. Wightman, Interim High School Principal Carleen Henry, Interim Assistant Principal Dr. Maria Vineyard, and Director of ENL/Bilingual Programs and World Languages Xiomara Gonzalez.
Plans are underway to expand Roosevelt’s biliteracy offerings to include Italian, American Sign Language, and Mandarin, broadening opportunities for students to engage with more languages and cultures.
For more information about the Roosevelt Union Free School District, visit rooseveltufsd.org or follow the district on Facebook at facebook.com/RooseveltUFSD.
