March 11, 2024
By Jessica Cerrito
Staff Writer
In a record-breaking year, 52 students earned the New Jersey Seal of Biliteracy, a designation that recognizes seniors within the state who have attained proficiency in two or more languages.
To earn this honor, seniors must score a four or above on the Advanced Placement World Language and Culture exam or pass a language test consisting of listening, reading, speaking and writing that is approved by the New Jersey Department of Education.
FACT BOX BY CAMILLE ECHOLS This year, 52 seniors earned the New Jersey Seal of Biliteracy.
Spanish teacher Señora Rojas, who oversees the test at LHS, said this year surpassed previous ones in all respects: the number of languages offered, the number of students who took the exam and the number of students who passed.
Sixty-one students took the exam in a total of 12 languages: Albanian, Arabic, Brazilian Portuguese, European Portuguese, Farsi, Georgian, Greek, Polish, Spanish, Swahili, Turkish and Ukrainian.
Rojas said the number of students taking the test and the diversity of languages required her to arrange more testing dates compared to previous years.
“Locating approved speakers of less common languages was definitely challenging as well as coordinating their availability to accommodate our school schedule,” Rojas said.
Despite the logistical obstacles, Rojas said overseeing the test is rewarding because the Seal of Biliteracy positively impacts the students who earn it.
“Some colleges may offer college credit as well as the potential for scholarship opportunities,” Rojas said. “The Seal of Biliteracy is a globally recognized credential that offers applicants greater opportunities in the job market with potentially higher pay grades.”
Senior Lucas Melendez, who was among the 44 students who earned the Seal of Biliteracy for Spanish, said he is proud of his accomplishment.
“It will be something vital to have on my resume,” Melendez said. “Many jobs look for bilingual people, and it’s a great skill to have when traveling to Spanish-speaking countries.”
“If you’re bilingual, you have the skills to communicate with more demographics.”
Growing up in a home where Spanish was often spoken, Melendez said he prepared by speaking with his grandmother, who is fluent in Spanish.
“I was a bit nervous at first when I was taking the exam because I didn’t want to forget anything, but I ended up going through it pretty quickly and found it to be easy. After the exam, I felt very confident, and I was certain that I passed,” Melendez said.
Unlike Melendez, senior Rahma Heneiber, who learned Spanish in school, said she felt nervous before taking the test. Heneiber said she prepared by speaking Spanish with her friends and family and honing her writing skills.
She said passing the test was important to her because it certifies her Spanish language proficiency.
“If you’re bilingual, you have the skills to communicate with more demographics,” Heneiber said. “You are more likely to be hired since you have more speaking skills than the average person.”
Heneiber said she encourages rising seniors to take the test next year.
“It only helps you in the long run. If you can speak another language, use it to your advantage,” Heneiber said.
Senior Michelle Boinett, who moved to the United States from Kenya when she was 16, earned the Seal of Biliteracy for Swahili, a language she has spoken since childhood.
“I hope to use this certification to help people, and hopefully one day, I could work with international organizations such as the United Nations,” Boinett said.
She said bilingualism is a valuable skill.
“It can lead to a deep understanding and appreciation for different cultures, greater career opportunities and personal satisfaction,” Boinett said. “It has also given me a sense of belonging and helped me better understand my culture.”
