Thursday, October 1, 2026
Roosevelt High School students who earned the New York State Seal of Biliteracy for demonstrating proficiency in English and one or more additional languages were recognized during the third annual Roosevelt High School Seal of Biliteracy ceremony.
Throughout the ceremony, students delivered speeches in multiple languages, shared personal reflections on their educational experience and highlighted the importance of biliteracy in their academic and professional careers. Their presentations displayed both linguistic achievement and cultural pride.
The New York State Seal of Biliteracy honors students who demonstrate a high level of proficiency in English and at least one additional language. Students who earn the distinction may have the Seal added to their academic records, recognizing their multilingual abilities and cultural understanding.
Roosevelt held its first Seal of Biliteracy in 2024, recognizing the first 21 students in the District’s history to obtain the recognition. Last year, the number jumped to 37 students.
”Earning the Seal of Biliteracy represents not only academic excellence, but also perseverance, cultural pride, and the ability to connect across communities,” Superintendent of School Shawn Wightman said. “We are incredibly proud of our students for reaching this milestone and grateful to our educators for fostering an environment where multilingualism is valued and celebrated.”
This achievement was made possible through the commitment of Roosevelt’s educators and staff, including Roosevelt High School Principal Keith Saunders Sr. and Director of English as a New Language/Bilingual programs and World Languages Aileen Torres Martin.
The District continues to celebrate all the students who earned the New York State Seal of Biliteracy and looks forward to extending its language offerings. Roosevelt High School plans to further broaden its opportunities in Italian, American Sign Language and Mandan in the years to come, supporting students from different backgrounds.
